Haze Returns to Indonesia

Haze in Sumatra. Photo by @jgblogs

Haze in Sumatra. Photo by @jgblogs

Nearly 500 forest fires were recorded in Sumatra Island last August which caused a thick haze to descend on Riau in Indonesia and even in some parts of Malaysia. The burning of forests is blamed on the operations of oil palm plantations, wood suppliers’ concessions, and pulpwood plantations. Several schools were closed in Riau during the return of the deadly haze last week.

The haze pollution is a recurring problem in the region caused mainly by forest fires in Indonesia. Last June, the haze covered Singapore and many areas in Malaysia.

Forest fire hotspots in Riau, Indonesia. Image from Eyes on the Forest.

Forest fire hotspots in Riau, Indonesia. Yellow areas are palm oil plantations. Image from Eyes on the Forest.

On Twitter, Indonesians expressed their concern about the return of the haze in Sumatra.

SBY refers to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

In Penang, Malaysia, the haze affected many residents. Fortunately, the haze was already gone last weekend.

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