Wanted to write something else, but this caught my attention too – haze.
Haze condition in Brunei does not seem to blow away quickly despite the heavy shower as of late.
But this is still minimal when comparing it with the 1998 scenario. It was during my A’ level days when we were urged to wear a mask. We would be shifting classes with our mask on and some faced asthma attacks. I found it hard to breathe too which sometimes caused me to skip school. That was the first bad hazy days to come and the same reason was due, open burning at our fellow neighbouring state.
I read with interest on the policy reached on haze by ASEAN member countries, particularly there has been numerous meetings on haze. But the situation still exist.
It is partly difficult in a way but this is where education comes in. With the right and proper education, instilling awareness or perhaps introducing alternative ways (if there is any) on open buring, perhaps that could help the situation. Open burning is done to clear the lands. We can’t blame the farmers as this is their means of income – agriculture. So it has to work both ways. Are there any compensation given to these farmers if they are to stop open burning? Are they aware of alternative ways to open burning (if there is any)?
Education not only by respective Ministry of Education through its syllabus but also promotion and awareness by the Ministry of Health and a more indepth knowledge from the Ministry of Industry, Primary & Resources (other nations have different names) on agricultural methods.
In our society, open burning seemed to be a normal practice too. Although those are only used home items but in the long run, our folks should realise the consequences of their action to our health and environment.
But anyway, I leave you with this. Find it here for our daily precautions, what we should do if we reach a certain level.
And this is the latest chart. Further details are available here
Borneo Bulletin
Brudirect
Brunei Daily Diary
Brunei Times
Global Voices Online
BlkMgcWmn
October 5, 2006 at 8:25 pm
What I find ‘funny’ is that masih jua orang kitani (both educated and not) yang masih jua menunu sampah durang belakang rumah (despite it now being illegal). I find it ridiculously annoying because not only does it pollute the environment, it also stinks! Imagine doing your laundry and drying it on the clothesline, only to discover in a few hours that your newly washed clothes STINKS because your neighbours decided to have a BBQ ala RUBBISH!
Why is it the mentality of some people is to tunu nendah just so it is destroyed? And what can we do to stop it? We know it’s illegal but what are our options? I can’t imagine calling 993 and saying “Saya kan membuat aduan polis. Orang sebalah menunu!” Bordering on petty/ridiculous innit?? :/
s@s
October 6, 2006 at 4:46 am
Yeah, I’d make a big case when my dad wants to menunu.
Thats y, even if they are educated but if their awareness is really low, they’d still do it.
So far, I’ve never heard a case of people kana fine oleh the authority for menunu.
If there is, that should set an example for others.