The Forest Buddies      
Save The Forests, Save Our Lives
   
 
Combating haze
Ban on burning

Will a ban on burning curb the problem posed by the haze? The authorities feel that a total year-round ban on burning is not feasible as burning is simply the cheapest and fastest way to clear land. A complete ban might affect the indigenous communities who need to clear land for agriculture. However, a regulated ban could be imposed on agricultural companies.

In Malaysia, the government encourages the cutting down of old oil palm trees by using tractors rather than by burning. Trenches are dug and filled with the felled trees. These trees eventually decompose and this will help to fertilise the land for future crops too.
 
Sources:
Euston Quah. (10/10/2006). Clearing the way for a haze-free environment. The Straits Times. P. 19
 
Next