Singapore submits haze masterplan to Indonesia

By Foo Siew Shyan, Channel NewsAsia
14 June 2007

SINGAPORE: Singapore has submitted to Indonesia its masterplan on how to help the country fight its haze problem.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said Indonesia has been briefed and he would be going there next week to attend the third Ministerial Committee Meeting on haze.

Various initiatives covered under the masterplan include helping the Jambi province tackle and prevent forest fires.

Dr Yaacob said he hopes Indonesia can implement the masterplan soon.

To get this working, various partners like non-governmental organisations need to come on board.

Also on the agenda is to persuade Indonesia to deliver on its proposed initiatives.

Dr Yaacob said: "For example, in their plan that was announced this year, they will try to cut back on 50 percent of haze site. I hope they can keep to their promise. I think I will also impress upon other ministers to work together with our Indonesian colleagues to make sure that the masterplan gets implemented."


- CNA/so