Protests as smog worsens

Singapore - Environmental experts said yesterday that public protests could intensify as tempers become more frayed over smog…

Singapore - Environmental experts said yesterday that public protests could intensify as tempers become more frayed over smog from uncontrolled Indonesian forest fires choking people in South-east Asia."There will be more demonstrations. Local people are suffering and they are letting their feelings be known," Ms Emmy Hafild, executive director of the Indonesia Forum for the Environment (Walhi), said.About 60 Malaysian activists staged a rare hour-long demonstration on Sunday to demand immediate and serious action from Malaysian and Indonesian authorities to combat the smog blanketing parts of South-east Asia.A thick cloud smothering Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore has been blamed on thousands of bush and forest fires in Indonesia, worsening the effects of industrial pollution. Health alarms have been triggered and emergency action plans have been issued by the three nations.