As a result of the deforestation “Slash and Burn” cultivation practices in several parts of Indonesia, it brought about haze, shrouding Southeast Asian countries in heavy smog for weeks, with complications like respiratory illnesses, schools closing and grounded aircrafts. Indonesia itself suffered from the effects of “Slash and Burn” deforestation practices.
In 2014, 26 Feb, the forests fires resulted in Dumai, a province in Riau, to experience an alarming level of Pollutants Standard Index (PSI) of 776. The haze condition was so detrimental that visibility dropped to 50m, prompting port authorities to issue warnings to ships, as the dry weather and open burning took its toll on the city in Sumatra.
The effects of the Slash and Burn practices can also be seen in the 1997 and 2013 Southeast Asian haze, due to forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. For the 2013 Southeast Asian haze, it resulted in record-breaking levels of air pollution in Singapore and several parts of Malaysia.
Source: http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=1651
In Singapore, The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) hit 401, which was the highest in Singapore history. During the 1997 Southeast Asian haze, PSI only peaked at 226.In light of the haze condition, the Singapore government implemented a series of precautionary measures to reduce exposure to the haze, focusing on restricting outdoor activities.
Photo: Sinapore’s skyline during the 2013 Haze. Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/singapore/story/haze-update-singapore-flyer-close-temporarily-due-haze-20130620
As for Malaysia, the Air Pollutant Index (API) hit 746, which was twice the standard hazardous reading and a level not seen since 1997, when Sarawak recorded an API reading of 860. In Malacca, two areas had API readings about 400. As a result, the Malaysian government was forced to declare a state of emergency, ordering schools, government offices, factories, plantations and construction sites in the affected regions to close immediately. The government also extended precautionary measures to schools in the states of Selangor and Pahang, and in Kuala Lumpur and Port Dickson.
Photo: Locals in Indonesia wearing masks to protect against haze
Retrieved from: http://www.photoblog.com/pinkturtle/2008/08/08/pictures-of-the-day-august-8.html
Exposure to haze might bring about health problems such as respiratory illnesses and aggravate existing heart or lung disease, like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart failure. It may result in irritation of the eyes, nose and throat in healthy individuals.