Smoky haze from Indonesian forest fires chokes Singapore, Malaysia
Smoky haze from forest fires on Sumatra shrouds Singapore and Malaysian states
Singapore urged Indonesia to take "urgent measures" as severe air pollution from forest fires on Sumatra choked the densely populated city state.
Singapore's skyscrapers, including the Marina Bay Sands casino towers, were yesterday shrouded in haze and the acrid smell of burnt wood wafted through the central business district.
Parts of Malaysia also suffered from the smoky haze, a recurring problem Southeast Asian governments have failed to solve, despite repeated calls for action.
Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) said it alerted its Indonesian counterpart on the situation "and urged the Indonesian authorities to look into urgent measures to mitigate the trans-boundary haze occurrence".
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on his Facebook page: "The haze situation in Malaysia is going to worsen in the coming days with winds carrying smoke from the hot spots in Sumatra.
"Please reduce outdoor activity and drink a lot of water during this period. Health should remain a No1 priority for everyone."
The problem occurs in the dry season as a result of forest fires in the sprawling Indonesian archipelago. Some of them are deliberately started to clear land for cultivation.