All haze-d out

For the past many weeks, Singapore has been enveloped in thick grey skies, otherwise known as the haze, although to me, it should be called the smog. "Haze" does not adequately describe the severity of the situation.

All this smog is no thanks to the farmers and land owners in Kalimantan, Indonesia, who continue to slash and burn to clear their farms.

I am really sick and tired of my eyes burning and my throat drying up everytime I step out of my house or my office.

I am really sick and tired of having to see little Sara who has bronchitis, wheezing and coughing and having to be fed regular doses of salbutomal so that her airways in her tiny lungs can be expanded so that she can breathe.

I am really sick and tired of my kids not being able to ride their bikes or go to the playground because the Pollutant Standards Index has hit above 100, which is the unhealthy level.

And I am really sick and tired that the ASEAN ministers are meeting - yet again - to try to ensure the smog situation does not recur. But what about the situation that we are in NOW? There is apparently an agreement that the ASEAN nations signed in 2003 called the ASEAN Haze Agreement where member nations agree to join forces to tackle the haze issue. It's been 3 years and we are still in the same predicament.

With all due respect, Dr Yudhoyono, your apology cuts no ice with me because this smog situation is becoming an annual affair and your government has had plenty of time to ensure it does not recur.

And most of all, I am totally sick and tired of the irresponsible farmers and farm-owners who opt to slash and burn instead of choosing other alternatives to clear the farms for the next round of crop farming.

As Danial said to me, when I was explaining the slash and burn concept to the kids, the easiest way may not always be the bestest way. I wish these people would have the same sensibilities as my 7 year old.