Dear Indonesia, we’re just here if you need us.
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan yesterday afternoon reiterated Singapore’s offer to help Indonesia battle the thick haze from forest fires on Sumatra island. But it was once again declined by Indonesian Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbaya Bakar, who said they had already deployed helicopters, military and police personnel to fix it.
The good news is that they’ll be consulting Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who is said to be personally overseeing the effort again on Singapore’s offer. Siti has also agreed to share the names of companies suspected to be behind the fires, as soon as they’re able to confirm the information after intensive investigations.
Later that evening, Indonesia declared a state of emergency in the Riau province in Sumatra, where the PSI surged to 984 yesterday. As comparison, any figures above 300 is considered hazardous.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Malaysia, the Metereological Department says it will start chemically inducing rains by noon today if there are clouds to seed.
Photo: Reuters
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