‘We have reduced haze’

‘We have reduced haze’

22 October 2010

published by www.straitstimes.com

Indonesia —  INDONESIA’S Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said the country has been succeeding to reduce haze caused by forest fires that often occur in the nation, reported Xinhua News.

‘In the last four years, we have been successful in reducing haze due to forest fire. After the most serious haze incident in 2006, we worked hard to reduce it,’ said Mr Natalegawa.

Mr Natalegawa made the statement on Friday to reporters following a talk with his Singaporean counterpart George Yeo who had called him to express his concern about the haze shrouding the Republic.

Mr Natalegawa acknowledged that the haze does not only affect Singapore, but also other neighbouring countries.

Thick haze blanketing the sky of the Johore State in Malaysia has resulted in schools closure in the districts of Muar and Ledang on Thursday, affecting at least 200 schools.

Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman said on Thursday that Malaysia will work closely with Indonesia if necessary to help curb the haze.

Mr Natalegawa stressed the need of mutual cooperation between countries to handle the problem.

‘Now, haze has returned and I think we have to work hard hand- in-hand to address the issue,’ said Mr Natalegawa.