Summit Must Hit The Haze, Say Most
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - As the nation faced yet another hazy day yesterday, people in Brunei were becoming worried about the potential effects of the polluted atmosphere on their health and called for more government efforts to solve the problem.

Nora, a UBD undergraduate, said she knew of some people who were allergic to the smoke particles, and developed skin rashes as a result. "Some people are particularly vulnerable, especially those with asthma," she said.

Maizah, a resident of Orang Kaya Besar Imas, Berakas, echoedthis opinion. She added that her family had been suffering from respiratory problems and coughs.

More intergoverpmental action needed to be taken to tackle the problem, she said.

"Brunei and other affected nations should negotiate with Indonesia to take serious action about the fires in Kalimantan, and work together to eradicate the problem," Maizah said.

Likewise, Awang Jamri suggested that the Brunei Government hold discussions with Indonesia in an open, diplomatic manner to solve the problem in Indonesian province of Kalimantan, where the smoke originates.

The retired soldier noted that while the haze had not caused any serious ailment among his family members so far, its continued presence was worrying. He believed that the condition would persist throughout the month and even until Raya.

"Brunei doesn't have the sophisticated equipment and strategies to deal with this problem," he said. He also proposed that Brunei follow the example of neighbouring countries, which have started cloud-seeding operations to produce more rain, which lessens the haze.

Meanwhile a secondary school teacher, Hajah Lina said she believed there was little the government could do to alleviate the problem. "I remember last time Malaysia went to help to put out the firse, but now I think they've realised the solution is not as simple as that," she said. She added that as of yet, students at her school have not been required to use breathing masks nor issued any health advisory. If the situation worsens, such measures might be necessary.

According to the duty forecaster at the Brunei Meteorological Service, the haze condition yesterday had improved slightly from the previous day. Visibility yesterday afternoon was at 7 km, up from 5 km in the morning. On Thursday, visibility was at 3 km, which implied very thick haze, but the intensity of the haze weakened as showers washed away the smoke particles.

However, she cautioned, relief from the haze was likely to be temporary.

"Intensity of the haze varies from time to time," said the duty forecaster. Although there might be slight improvements now and then, she continued, the haze would still persist as the source shows no signs of abating.

The best hope of an immediate, permanent relief from the haze would be a change in the wind direction, she added. The prevailing south-westerly winds were still bringing smoke from fires in Kalimantan to the sultanate. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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