S’pore urges Indonesia to ratify haze pact
S’pore urges Indonesia to ratify haze pact
23 November 2010
published by news.asiaone.com
Singapore — SINGAPORE will continue to work with Indonesia to tackle forest burning, the root problem of the haze experienced here, said Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo yesterday.
He was responding to questions raised in Parliament about engaging Indonesia to eradicate the haze problem.
“The haze affected not only the people in Singapore and Malaysia, (but also) affected most of the people in Indonesia who live closest to the fires. The haze is therefore a matter of very serious concern to…the entire region.”
Singapore was hit by haze last month, with the Pollutant Standards Index reaching 108 on Oct 21, which breached the unhealthy threshold of 100 for the first time since 2006.
Yesterday, Mr Yeo highlighted Singapore’s efforts, such as collaboration with the Indonesian provincial governments of Jambi and Riau on fire- and haze-prevention programmes.
He also noted that Indonesia is the only country yet to ratify the Asean agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. Some of Indonesia’s government officials felt that the agreement is not beneficial to the country.
The agreement was adopted in 2002 by Asean to jointly combat haze in the region.
Yesterday, Mr Yeo urged Indonesia to ratify the agreement, and take the lead on the issue when it assumes the Asean chairmanship next year.
On the progress in resolving the haze issue, Mr Low Thia Khiang, Member of Parliament for Hougang, said: “Despite the efforts of the minister…, it seems the (air) remains smoky and the situation hasn’t improved.”
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, Mr Yeo said: “We have not succeeded, but we’ve not failed completely, and we must continue to press on and not lose heart.”
Madam Ho Geok Choo, MP for West Coast GRC, suggested the use of cloud seeding, a method to produce rain, to help clear the haze.
However, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim rejected the method, as studies have shown it to be ineffective here.
Madam Ho also asked if the Government would consider giving rebates to help people whose electricity bills went up, as a result of the increased use of fans and air-conditioning during the haze.
Replying that rebates are a no-go, Dr Yaacob said: “The most important thing is that Singaporeans must continue to prepare for the eventuality and make necessary adjustments.”
