JUNE 24 — It has been over 20 years since Malaysia had to suffer the haze originating from Indonesia due to land clearing. We have been using all diplomatic channels to resolve this the ASEAN way. Have we been successful? If just across our border, a company releases toxic gas and few hundred Malaysians die, will the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Malaysian government keep quiet?
Similarly, this incident is industrial (agriculture) pollution. The Indonesian environment minister has named a few suspects and is investigating several others. It does not matter that they are Malaysian-based companies or not. Impose the Environment Quality Act (EQA) on them. Do not chicken out when Indonesia mentions Malaysian-owned companies. Those who are suffering are humans.
People with lung, heart and skin problems have to increase their medical expenses. What about the loss of income? Who makes money and who is suffering? Imagine if the whole of next year is hazy, we can kiss goodbye to Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
The Malaysian government, businesses and members of public must claim for all the extra expenses incurred in healthcare, business losses due to the haze and emergency situation, cloud-seeding cost, etc. This is in line with the EQA. These costs are on top of the fine that the suspects have to pay for breaking the law. I would also encourage the Singapore government to take similar action to bring these culprits to court.
If these companies and their bosses do not want to respect our law and courts, there are many forms of pressure that can be imposed, especially economic pressure. If their palm oil products are banned, there is no economic benefit for them locally. This can be extended via the United Nations for a worldwide ban on their products.
We need to stand up and fight for our country's sovereignty. The two tigers in our coat-of-arms represent courage and strength. We need to live up to that! We should not be slaves to unscrupulous businessmen.
* Piarapakaran S. is president of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER)
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
