SIIA Director of Policy Programmes, Ms. Lee Chen Chen, was interviewed on Focus, a weekly current affairs programme by Channel 8 News. She commented on the recurring transboundary haze situation for a feature that aired on Thursday 15 September. Video of the feature is now online at the Channel 8 News website. A transcript of Ms. Lee’s comments is below.
“Last year primarily the haze was exacerbated by the El Niño effect, so this year the El Niño effect is less pronounced, in fact we’re seeing more of a La Niña effect. And usually the effects of La Niña are quite minimal compared to El Niño. So the weather conditions have been more favourable.”
“The Indonesian government is also trying to hold companies responsible for starting fires. Very recently in August this year, the government also imposed the fine of 110 million dollars on a Sago plantation company that was linked to fire. And as far as we understand this was the highest fine that has been imposed on any company so far.”
“We understand that the transboundary haze pollution act is in accordance with international law, but I think the Indonesians may perceive it as an infringement of their own sovereignty to have their own nationals investigated under the law. So I think in this regard there needs to be a bit more socialisation of the law within Indonesia itself, and more government to government exchanges on how the law can in fact help address some of the problems of forest fires in Indonesia.”
Full Video: 烟霾会不会重来？ [Channel 8 News, 16 Sep 2016]
