INTRODUCTION
The issue of haze is currently being ignored, as demonstrated by recent incidents in Malaysia. Particularly, Peninsular Malaysia has faced significant haze problems leading to the closure of multiple schools. Additionally, there has been an increase in asthma cases among working adults.
Additionally, the workers are neglecting the issue and not following the advice of health authorities and the government to wear masks. Furthermore, Malaysian individuals worsen the situation by refusing to use public transportation and instead using their own vehicles due to ego. Factory operators also contribute to this problem by being unwilling to stop operations, fearing potential losses. These individuals display selfishness and do not deserve to live in Malaysia. However, we are thankful that the haze has improved and schools have temporarily shut down. It is expected that the entire comm
...unity will come together to address this problem.
CONCEPT OF HAZE
Haze is a combination of toxic gases and chemicals, including magnesium, that can harm the respiratory system. It is especially dangerous when mixed with suspended particles from factories and vehicles, which can contain lead and nitrogen oxides that cause brain disorders and lung disabilities. The sources of these particles are both natural, such as corners, forests, and the earth's surface, and human activities like open burning, land clearing, motor vehicle use, and industrial fuel combustion.
Reflecting upon past events, Malaysia has faced the situation of haze before. The haze endured until September and led to Karakas proclaiming a state of emergency on 19 September 1997 due to hazardous API readings exceeding 650, marking one of the highest levels in recent history. This haze was caused by forest fires i
Indonesia, which affected approximately 600,000 hectares. Another instance of haze occurred in August 2005, significantly impacting the country. Areas such as Koala Lump, Koala Clangor, Klan, and others were among those affected.
Unhealthy levels of air pollution occur in all these areas when the Air Pollutant Index (API) reaches 100 or higher. The situation has become even more challenging due to the burning of forests in Aria, North Sumatra, and the spread of fire in Claimant. Since Malaysia and Indonesia are neighboring countries, Malaysia has also been affected by Indonesia's actions. One of the main causes contributing to the haze problem is human activity, specifically the large-scale burning of forests without considering its environmental impact. Singapore and Malaysia frequently experience thick smoke, particularly during the middle of the year when Indonesian farmers clear their farms. The International Trot ten SEAN Spectacle Meteorological Centre observed a curl of smoke haze originating from fires in Aria Province, Central Sumatra, Indonesia reaching the southwest coast.
The worrisome haze problem in Malaysia has been impacted by the actions of society who engage in uncontrollable open burning. This situation is further worsened by factors such as individuals and factory owners conducting open burning to dispose of rubbish or waste. For instance, some community members opt to burn their garbage in their own backyard instead of consistently bringing it to landfills or waste recycling centers. Similarly, cloth and wood factory owners contribute to the problem by burning their own waste products.
The lack of responsibility and indifference towards the gradual haze caused by open burning is evident. Many fail to recognize that the smoke produced from burning spreads significantly due to wind, covering vast
areas. The consequence is the occurrence of haze as a result of smoke being released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the surge in vehicles on the roads, multiplying rapidly like mushrooms after rainfall, has contributed significantly to the severe haze in Malaysia.
With 9.3 million vehicles currently on the road in Malaysia, the production of 16.2 tons of carbon monoxide and dioxide, along with two tons of sodium per day, has become a concerning issue. The haze problem worsens due to traffic congestion as stationary vehicles emit smoke and contribute to air pollution. Moreover, the rising number of vehicles leads to an increased release of smoke from exhaust pipes, which hovers in the atmosphere and poses a threat to the ozone layer.
The air in our country becomes thick and hazy due to several factors. One of the main causes is uncontrolled emissions from industrial sites, particularly those that rely on coal and oil. The selfish attitude of the factory owners contributes to the problem as they release fumes into the air without investing in smoke filtering tools. These fumes contain sulfur dioxide and nitrogen, which further contribute to the haze. Additionally, some operators install factory chimneys that are too low, resulting in the release of toxic smoke into the air. Examples of such industrial areas include Senator in Sandman and the Klan Valley.
HAZE EFFECTS
Haze has multiple detrimental effects on society, impacting daily social and economic activities. Individuals of all ages, from children to adults, experience these adverse consequences. Additionally, the haze has resulted in the temporary closure of numerous schools.
According to Straits Times news, the haze in Casemate, Juror led to 110 schools being closed.
Tragically, a woman with asthma lost her life due to this situation. Additionally, there is a notable health risk for the population, specifically regarding conditions like asthma and wheezing. The inhalation of pollutants from the haze, including nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, can cause complications in the respiratory system and lungs. Furthermore, these pollutants have the potential to trigger allergies and heighten the chances of experiencing skin irritation, coughing fits, and breathing difficulties.
The haze can have lasting harmful effects on the kidneys, lungs, and brain of individuals. Furthermore, it has negatively impacted our economy by causing a decrease in tourism, which is crucial for our nation's income. This decline in tourist activity can be linked to worries about the worsening haze conditions and potential health hazards. In terms of social repercussions, residents living in heavily affected areas are advised to refrain from outdoor activities like jogging or gathering together, which can strain community relationships. Additionally, the haze directly impacts the environment by causing obscured and unclear vision specifically in streets and public areas.
The air quality is being polluted by a combination of haze and smoke emissions, resulting in blurred vision. This can lead to road accidents and traffic congestion as drivers struggle to accurately gauge the distance of nearby vehicles.
Ways to combat haze
To tackle this problem, it is crucial to refrain from participating in open burning of waste, as this constitutes a primary source of haze.
Urban haze is significantly caused by the emission of particulate matter from motor vehicles. Therefore, it is essential to maintain vehicles properly and use low-pollutant fuel. Additionally, land clearing contributes to soil erosion, degradation, and air pollution
due to added particulates. To address haze, promoting tree planting and reducing land clearance are effective measures.
It is the responsibility of every person to safeguard the environment for future generations. By working together and utilizing advanced technologies such as fire extinguishers, we can effectively tackle the issue of haze. Additionally, it is vital to enforce strict regulations on companies and individuals who intentionally start forest fires for agricultural purposes. Ultimately, reducing air pollutants plays a critical role in preventing haze problems within our country.
To address the issue of haze caused by increasing traffic congestion, it is essential to implement strategies that reduce the number of vehicles on roads, especially in places like Koala Lump. This will help decrease carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere. Another effective method is cloud seeding, which stimulates rainfall and serves as a natural purifier of air.
The Department of Environment and Pancake Niagara Sad. Ltd. have collaborated to perform cloud seeding as a means of reducing haze. Additionally, the use of the Air Pollution Index (API) can help identify areas affected by haze and enable appropriate actions to be taken. It is important to regularly monitor the API readings to control emissions from factories that may contribute to excessive smoke or gas production.
The haze problem can be resolved through collaboration among neighboring countries and at a global scale to address environmental issues. This can be achieved through cooperation in terms of environmental protection and increased scientific research to combat this problem. Currently, haze has become a significant concern in Malaysia due to recent episodes. In my view, haze is not just pollution but also a disease that impacts
a large population in Malaysia. Previously, haze was mainly observed in urban areas, but it has now also spread to rural regions.
Haze, which is a type of air pollution caused by factors such as open burning and deforestation, is surprisingly contributed to by our neighboring country, Indonesia. Upon reading multiple articles on the topic, I was astonished to discover that the recent haze in Malaysia had various negative impacts on the environment. According to The New Straits Times, one of these effects involved the closure of 110 schools in Juror, 300 schools in Jota Ting, Pontiac, and Paisa Guiding, as well as 313 schools in Malice. Consequently, a total of 134,872 students were unable to attend school.
I was deeply concerned about this issue as it would disrupt the learning process for students who have important exams to sit, such as PUPS, MR., SUM, and STAMP. Additionally, when they are unable to attend school, they are also vulnerable to engaging in high-risk activities like smoking, drugs, and socialism. Furthermore, another distressing and surprising incident mentioned in The New Straits Times article was the death of a woman with asthma caused by the severe haze, which exacerbated her suffering. Haze has never been a factor in a death before. In the past, Malaysia experienced a severe haze problem in August 2003, but no lives were lost as a result. Upon reading the article, I felt immense sadness for her.
Imagine being in her position, suffering from asthma and being burdened by the haze problem. Additionally, the recent haze has caused a significant increase in the Air Pollution Index (API). According to The Malaysian Insider, on July 22,
2013, the areas most affected by high API readings were Bikini Ramble (119), Banging (110), Muar (103), and Cheers (110). On August 24th, the API reached 746 in Muar. An API reading of 100 and above indicates hazardous conditions, which can result in severe illness.
The haze problem in Juror state, Malaysia has the potential to affect other states. The health risks it poses, particularly for vulnerable individuals, are a cause for concern. The hope is that this problem won't strain Malaysia's relationship with Indonesia. According to The Star Online, the haze originates from forest clearing and burning in Indonesia. If discussions about this issue do not take place, both Malaysia and Singapore may be impacted. To effectively address this problem, it is crucial for all three countries to come together and engage in a discussion. In summary, a significant number of people have been affected by the haze problem.
We, as the citizens of Malaysia, should be conscious and take steps to decrease this problem. It is crucial for us to cease open burning and pollution. As the famous saying goes, "where there's a will, there's a way". If we simply acknowledge this issue without taking action, who else will? We must collaborate and endorse efforts like car-pooling and tree planting.
CLOSING
Haze or pollution is not generated by unpredictable weather or natural phenomena.
To ensure universal harmony, it is crucial for us as humans to be wise in handling any potential threats to it. To prevent such incidents from happening again, an effective plan should be put into place. The first step entails fostering self-awareness in individuals by adopting positive values and norms rooted in internal positive
attitudes. This enables them to control their actions and thoughts. By following these values, people will exhibit wisdom in their everyday lives through engaging in beneficial activities and avoiding actions that could harm the environment.
I sincerely hope that people in Malaysia and Indonesia can collaborate and work together to protect our environment, ensuring a pollution-free and happy life for all of us.
REFLECTION
Fortunately, I managed to finish this task. I want to share my experience during this assignment. Before starting, I searched for information from different online sources. Unfortunately, the internet connection was slow, resulting in websites taking over 10 minutes to load. Nonetheless, this situation taught me the significance of patience.
The attribute of not getting easily mad should be instilled in individual students in order to build a positive character. Moreover, when searching for books related to my task title, I could only find one out of the three books I needed with the assistance of Weapon. This incident taught me the importance of being more efficient. As the saying goes, 'the early bird catches worms.' Meanwhile, while working from home, I encountered a bit of disorder as my small nieces kept bothering me for playtime.
Recognizing the significance of time management, I now comprehend the necessity to effectively allocate my time as a student among my family and work. Additionally, upon further examination of my chosen topic 'Haze', I have come to understand its historical negligence. Surprisingly, my research has unveiled numerous adverse effects caused by the haze. The News Straits Times reported a tragic incident where an asthmatic woman lost her life due to the recent haze—a piece of news that deeply saddens
me as I contemplate how it would feel if she were part of my own family. In such a scenario, undoubtedly, responsibility would fall on the government for their delayed intervention in addressing this issue.
Meanwhile, I offered my condolences to the families who have recently experienced loss. This event reminded me to be cautious when pollution is present in my surroundings. Additionally, I empathized with the students who were unable to study due to the haze problem. According to The News Strait Times, numerous schools in peninsula Malaysia were forced to close. These circumstances made me appreciate living in Saba even more.
I cannot fathom what life would be like if I found myself in their position, unable to study with my friends and teachers for days on end. While they may be able to study at home, it is simply not the same as studying with others. It's not just about the companionship of friends and teachers, but also about the experiences that they will miss out on when unable to attend school. Additionally, I am proud of our country, Malaysia, for taking action to address the severe haze caused by deforestation in neighboring Indonesia. The haze that has affected Malaysia can be attributed to forest clearing and burning conducted in Indonesia, as stated in The Star Online.
The smoke from Indonesia has traveled to Malaysia, causing concern. In addition, I researched the Air Pollution Index (API), and once again I was alarmed by the readings, as some of them exceeded hazardous levels. When the reading reaches the hazardous scale, it indicates a dangerous situation for the state and its residents. people should stay indoors and
those who are working should wear a mask to prevent inhaling excessive dust. In conclusion, I hope that everyone in Malaysia is aware of the issue and takes actions to prevent haze and reduce pollution. As the saying goes, where there is a will, there is a way. With over a million people in Malaysia, it is possible for half of us to make a positive impact on the environment, starting today.
I strongly desire to see our earth become clean and free from pollution, similar to Japan. Instead, I highly recommend that the people of Malaysia look to Japan as a model for maintaining a clean and pollution-free country. In other words, we should begin by reducing air pollution through carpooling, decreasing the use of harmful chemicals (such as carbon-intensive fuel sources), planting more trees in Malaysia, and implementing other beneficial measures.
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