HAZE - WHAT SHOULD ONE DO?

 

Haze at Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia experiences the "haze" annually, primarily due to forest and peat fires in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Borneo), exacerbated by seasonal winds.

The air pollution is getting worse day by day in Malaysia. Very sad part is that we couldn't do anything to prevent or stop it. The cause of this haze is nothing but slash and burn practice of farmers and fires blown by the wind from Indonesia.

Kuala Lumpur is ranked first as the most beautiful skyline in the world. But now,

API(Air Pollutant Index) reading of zero to 50 indicates good air quality; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy and 300 and above hazardous.

The state of haze emergency will be declared when the API exceeds 500. Nationwide more than 2400 schools closed due to heavy haze and also some public parks closed

Every year, thousands of hectares of primary jungle are burnt and reduced to ashes to facilitate the planting of oil palm. For over 30 years Indonesia has been abusing their forests for the oil palm industry. There are better and cleaner ways of clearing the jungle like using machinery and tractors, but these are more expensive.

ASEAN is, and always has been, essentially toothless in its fight to curb haze occurrence with their neighbours.

Forget about environmental disaster. Indonesian politicians from the very top are not going to buy the environment angle. Sure, they will show up at the burnt forests and hold a “press conference” saying they are doing their best. But for 30 years, the same thing over and over again?

They have already taken too much money to care about orang utans and other animals.

What about being good neighbours to Malaysia and Singapore? Forget that too. Indonesian attitude is that they can do whatever they want because it is THEIR forests.

TO OVERCOME HAZE EFFECT:

1: Keep information about local air quality.

2: Avoid outdoor activities, especially outdoor sports.

3: Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter your home and office.

4: Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low.

5: Keep air conditioner in working condition with regular cleaning and servicing of it.

6: Install air purifier at home.

7: Drink more water and take fresh vegetables and fruits only.

8: Quit smoking if you are smoker.

9: Use mask before going outside.

Finally, individuals have to take their own precautions by wearing face-mask, spend less time outdoors and hope for rainfall to come.

As usual, we remind you to take your Memo Plus Gold daily. It will help to keep you alert and mentally sharp. For more information or to order for Memo Plus Gold, please visit : https://oze.my