Will coronavirus fan the flames of south-east Asia's haze problem?


An August 22, 2019 file picture showing Indonesian firefighters battling a forest fire in Ogan Ilir, south Sumatra. - AFP

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Weak enforcement of restrictions to curb Covid-19 infections in rural Indonesia, coupled with farmers opting for cheap ways to clear land, could see a repeat of the forest fires and smoke that choked south-east Asia last year, environmentalists said.

The annual haze season, from around June until October, caused airports and schools to close in 2019. The burning of an estimated 16,000 sq km of land cost Indonesia US$5.2bil (RM22.87bil) in economic losses, according to the World Bank.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Haze , Indonesia , Malaysia , Covid-19 , Coronavirus

Next In Nation

Mentally challenged man reported missing in Batu Kurau
Puad Zarkashi accuses DAP of using GLC posts as political bargaining chip in Skudai rep controversy
One missing, six saved after boat capsizes in Kapit
Thunderstorm warning for five states until 1am, says MetMalaysia
Perikatan ready to contest Johor polls with responsibility, professionalism, says Dr Sam
Selangor Ruler, Tengku Permaisuri extend birthday greeting to the King
Nothing out of ordinary with Johor state assembly dissolution, says Dr Wee
EC says will discuss dates for 16th Johor state polls after official notification of dissolution
Injured woman in Simpang Ampat attack stable, says Penang cop
61-year-old man goes missing while searching for bird's nest in Lahad Datu

Others Also Read