Published 20:40 IST, September 18th 2019
Malaysia may impose new law to tackle wildfires says PM Mahathir
A law telling different companies to counter wildfires on foreign lands may be imposed by Malaysia according to Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad on September 18.
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The Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, stated on September 18 that his country may impose a law that will force companies to tackle raging wildfires on areas that they own in a foreign country, as the ongoing problems have raised concerns over the effect these fires may.
Raging forest fires
The smoke has been terrible over the past few weeks, prompting allegations and irate reactions. Indonesia's Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar disclosed a week ago that a portion of the flames in the nation had been spotted on palm oil estates worked on by four small companies of Malaysian organizations.
Dr. Mahathir said that his government would approach the organizations to put out the flames. He added that obviously, in the event that they find that they are reluctant to make a move, they may need to pass a law which will make them in charge of flames in their property, regardless of whether it's outside of Malaysia.
The Indonesian environment minister had likewise blamed Malaysia for not being straightforward about its own backwoods fires, saying the murkiness didn't totally start from Indonesia.
Because of her comments, Dr. Mahathir said on Wednesday a guide ought to be distributed demonstrating satellite photos of the spots. Teresa Kok, Malaysia's minister responsible for palm oil, said a week ago any report of flames ashore constrained by Malaysian organizations was a "genuine allegation".
Necessary measures implemented
A week ago, two of the organizations recognized by the Indonesian minister said they had small fires on their territory but they had been put out. Dr. Mahathir said Malaysia has taken steps in handling the impacts of the smoke, for example, cloud seeding, asking people to remain indoors and shutting schools, yet there is likewise a need to discover better approaches to decrease the cloudiness.
A week ago, Malaysia's Department of Environment implemented a number of restrictions on open fires, apart from in the case of incineration, religious purposes, flame broiling/grill and flaring, until the monsoon season ended.
19:27 IST, September 18th 2019