The haze is at constant phenomenon faced by Malaysia. The haze is basically pollution of atmosphere, which is clogged with pollutants and other substances from forest fires.
The haze is direct effect of forest fire in Kalimantan due to slash and burn method of farming. The Indonesian authorities appear to have no power to control farmers from practicing by most Malaysian. Open-field burning of rice straw by the rice planters and open burning of dried leaves and garbage done by the public are a few examples that done by Malaysian.Many are ignorant of the health effects of open burning.
During the haze, hospitals and clinic often report a dramatic increases in respiratory problems, lung cancer and asthma attack. The Air Pollution Index (API) usually indicates the hazardous and dangerous levels of pollution during this period. The haze has long-term side effects. Prolonged inhalation of polluted air will result in serious lung diseases which particularly affects the elderly.
The government must play its role to reduce the haze treat.It has to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities to stamp out forest fires. The government should also raise public awareness of the dangers of forest fire. Continous campaign of the cause, solution and steps to reduce the haze need to be promoted through all types of social media like television, radio, newspaper and via internet.
The authorities should also provide assistance to farmers and introduced more sophisticated forest clearing methods.In Malaysia, strict laws must be imposed to penalize those who practice open burning. On-going campaigns on the dangers of open burning should be intensified. Individuals too have a role play.
They must participate in every campaign and stop open burning. Every individual has to reme,ber that we do not own the world, but instead we lent it from our future generations. We must protect our world so that our grandchildren would have a healthy earth to live.
