Despite promises by Indonesian government to prevent yearly slash and burn fires by forest profiteers, they continue in 2015 and create health hazard for neighboring Malaysia and Singapore-BBC

9/14/15, "Haze chokes Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore," BBC

"Smoke from huge forest fires in Indonesia has created a cloud of smog over the country, which has spread over neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore. 

The fires, which happen every year, are caused by slash-and-burn clearances on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Paper and palm oil companies have been widely blamed for the practice.

Indonesia, which has repeatedly promised to stop the illegal fires, has sent hundreds of military personnel to try to put them out. 

It has declared a state of emergency in Riau province, where the haze has been building for several weeks and pollution levels are hazardous to health.

In Malaysia, schools have been closed in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and several other areas, while Singaporeans are being advised to avoid strenuous activity outdoors." 

Image caption: "It (Indonesia) has promised, and failed, to end the seasonal fires many times in the past," via BBC
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Top image caption: "Pulp, paper and palm oil companies that own large forest concessions in southern Sumatra are often blamed for illegal fires," via BBC




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