A hazy Sunday morning in Melaka

Penang license plate in front - poor guy, having come all the way here and get caught in bad haze....

The haze is back in this part of town. I found that the entire town was shrouded in a cloud of haze, engulfing the sun and turning what was to be a bright and sunny Sunday morning into a gloom. Like a scene out of one of those Chinese watercolor paintings, only this is actually a real-life depiction of environmental disaster.

At the traffic lights, in the distance I can just barely make out the transmission tower on top of Bukit Beruang. I hope that there are no low flying aircraft around, for visibility is really terrible today.

This isn't the first time we've had such a bad haze - occasionally in the past, this recurs practically each year, as it is believed to be caused by the clear-and-burn methods of the farmers in a close neighbouring country. Of course, we cannot deny that there are local open burnings going on in our country, as anyone driving around in the vicinity of Nilai (towards KLIA and Cyberjaya/Putrajaya can verify).

As if the sight of haze wasn't bad enough, then there's the stench in the air and stinging in the eyes. Lots of respiratory problems potentially waiting to occur - not a good time for those with hay fever or asthma. For those of you out there, who are unfortunate enough to be around here, do stay indoors and drink plenty of water. Putting on a proper face mask when going outdoors seems like a good idea - but make sure you're wearing one that's effective and not just for show.

Really puts a damper on my spirits - as a result, did not manage to bring Charmaine and Christopher for outing. Kids trapped at home really is a sad thing.

The DOE (Department Of Environment) or Jabatan Alam Sekitar Malaysia publishes the API monitoring data on a daily basis on its website : http://www.doe.gov.my

I hope that these people will be struck with realization on the consequences of their actions. Cannot claim that it is perfectly ok to continue what was done since ages ago - lack of awareness and understanding. Till then, holding on to hope and perhaps my breath as well....