KUALA LUMPUR, 18 SEPT: The haze, which is affecting the country, may affect the tourism sector if the condition persists.
The Exco for Tourism, Environment, Technology and Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth Wong, said that the adverse effects will occur not only in Selangor, but also nationwide.
“We understand this issue is difficult to solve. If prolonged, it will affect the arrival of tourists in the country.
“This year is Visit Selangor year and we do not want it to suffer,” she told reporters after a Healthy Living Expo press conference at the Sunway Hotel and Spa.
Elizabeth said that a comprehensive solution can be reached with the political power of the ASEAN countries, especially Singapore and Malaysia.
“Last Monday, I suggested to the Minister of Environment to visit Jakarta to hold discussions on offering assistance,” she said.
In the meantime, she also advised the public, especially parents, to be more aware about school closures aside from checking the Air Pollution Index (API).
“We do not want another occurrence of last Tuesday, when an official statement was released at midnight and unknowing parents still sent their children to school.
“Parents must be proactive. Do not wait for an official statement. When the API has reached dangerous levels, schools be definitely be closed,” she said.
On 15 September, 2,045 schools in five states – Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Malacca, and Negeri Sembilan – were closed as API readings were approaching very unhealthy levels.
Leaders in Sumatra have made a disaster declaration to the citizens there.
The haze in the Peninsular West Coast will continue as long as the fire in Sumatra is not extinguished, causing haze forecasts to end as it depends on wind movements and fire-fighting efforts in Sumatra.
NS
