it burns in sumatra. it blurs in malaysia.

It rained ice yesterday!

For the past 2 weeks (or was it longer?) my country has been paying the price for illegal
forest clearing in Sumatra.
2 days ago, it was reported that there was 333 hot spots in Sumatra.
Today`s paper reported the number as 524.
My country might send in fire fighters as reinforcements to help our neighbor contain the fires.
The thing is, we have been suffering from hazy days for the past few years.
I remember hazy days during certain months (when the wind changes) ever since I was in school.

Last year, an Indonesian minister claimed he will propose the death penalty to those who conduct illegal forest clearing via burning.
I read yesterday that he has resigned and the new minister has no update on it.
Through no fault of ours, we are suffering.

Yesterday I came to a haze infested and smoke smelling office.
We have fixed an air ionizer and the air conditioners are at maximum blast, but it is still slightly hazy inside today.
I guess the smell is here to stay for some time, though.
The air freshener does not seem to stand a chance.

Near my office, I think the visibility is about 300m, compared to yesterday’s 1km.

The current API (Air Pollutant Index) is at a hazardous level now. Schools have been advised to be closed. Public has been advised to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. Clinics are packed. All in all, we are prisoners in our own homes, offices, buildings, with the smell of acrid burning as companion.

I have not gone out for lunch for the past 2 days. At night, in my neighborhood, I cannot see my opposite neighbor’s house clearly. I am thirsty all the time. I am developing a sore throat. And a running nose. I waited 1 hour to get medicine from the clinic.

I worry for my sister. At her place, the condition is worse.

Yesterday evening, about 5 pm, my colleague cried “It`s raining ice!”. Although dumfounded for some time, I realized that I was witnessing a hailstorm for the first time in my life. And no, sis, I still don`t think I should have gone outside to pick the ice. But if it happens again today, I will venture out and pick a few. All in the name of sisters.

If people thought the short bout of rain will clear the haze, they were clearly mistaken. As far as I can see, the haze has gotten worse.

My mom is coming over for the weekend. She is asthmatic. I worry for her. I have to remind her to bring her inhaler and have it with her all the time.
I can’t stand the smell! It is assaulting my senses even as I type! The Indonesian government must do something fast! We definitely do not want this scenario repeating year after year.

But for now, the hazy days are here to stay; albeit as an unwelcome guest.

Few pictures to show you what we Malaysians have to endure.

Update: As at 4 something pm today, 2 parts in my state have been declared as "state of emergency". All commercial and business centres have been ordered to close until further notice. Only clinics and pharmacies are allowed to operate.