Last month, the fires in Indonesia caused Sigapore's PSI to rise above 100 since 2006. Foreign Minister Geoge Yeo said Indonesia will gain the most from eradicating the haze. Singapre's PSI climbed above 100, but parts of Indonesia will be experiencing far more hazardous level of PSI at 200 to 300. Millions of people in Indonesia are affected.

The impact of the haze is minimal on Singapore. Singapore will engage Indonesia on the issue and offers firefighting assistance to Indonesia. It also works with regional countries through a Ministerial Steering Committee to monitor hot spots.

Mr Yeo said Singapore would raise the issue with international groups like the United Nations and the World Health Organisation when it is 'necessary and helpful' to do so. Besides that, Singapore initiates programmes in Jambi province to fight fire and promote sustainable land-farming practices have kept the number of hot spots there low.

MY VIEW:



In my opinion, it is good iniative that Singapore engage Indonesia on the haze issues. This allows both nation to foster international ties and the haze problem in Indonesia can be solved. Speaking from personal experience, the haze last month really affected me. I got eye irritation and my skin itch alot, and I am sure it is due to low quality of air, which is caused by the haze in Indonesia. And taking my experience in hand, it must be hard for the people in Indonesia that are affected by the haze.

Even so, Indonesia have to do something about the haze since the haze problem has been recurring every year. The haze can be caused by forest fires started by the locals, or simply it is a natural disaster. But if it is caused by the former, the Indonesian government should implement ways and strict laws to manage the haze problem there.

Why is the haze problem a serious problem? It not only affects Indonesia, it affects the neighbouring countries and this can caused conflicts amongst nations. But I am grateful that Singapore is lending a hand to Indonesia to cope with the problem. This should be the way.