Malaysia to monitor haze situation
THERE is no threat of haze at the moment as the sports ministry monitors the situation to ensure that it does not disrupt the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games this month.
Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he has discussed the matter with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).
“Although it is not under my ministry’s portfolio, I have met with (NRE minister) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar last week. They are monitoring the situation,” said Khairy.
“Enforcement by the country causing the haze (Indonesia) has also improved compared to previous years. Viewed from satellite imaging, you can see that a lot of
the hot spots are contained within 24 hours.
“I hope Indonesia will be able to control this problem so it does not affect (the games). I believe they will be embarrassed if it does affect the Sea Games as they, too, are competing here.”
Khairy added that Malaysia has not offered any help to Indonesia to deal with the problem as the country has always declined support.
It has been reported that Indonesian authorities in the five areas affected by the haze have given the order to shoot any person who purpose starts a forest fire. Khairil S Iswan