Wildfires ruin relations between 3 countries: Malaysia and Singapore troubled by Indonesia's toxic smoke, gas supplies cut in protest

The smoke from the forest fires in Indonesia has become a problem for neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore. Toxic smoke from the forests of Kalimantan, Papua and Sumatra is reaching these countries with the wind. Due to this, people are suffering from problems like difficulty in breathing and headaches. Schools have had to be closed in some areas of Malaysia. The smoke has been persistent for several weeks, due to which the resentment of the people is increasing. People in Malaysia have started boycotting Indonesian products, while Singapore has started investigating companies involved in the fire. Meanwhile, Indonesia has announced to reduce gas exports to Singapore. It has cited its country's energy needs as the reason. Forests are set on fire for agriculture Forest fires occur every year in Indonesia. The main reason for this is the clearing of forests for agriculture and business. Especially for the cultivation of palm oil, land is prepared in large areas. For this, forests are set on fire in many places. If the fire spreads to the peatland below the ground, it becomes more difficult to extinguish it. The dry organic matter in the peatland keeps the fire burning for a long time. This year, due to El Nino, the drought situation in the forests and peatlands of Indonesia became more severe. Due to this, the fire spread rapidly and it became difficult to control it. Usually, the effects of this type of smoke last for a few days in Malaysia and Singapore, but this time it has persisted for several weeks. Boycott in Malaysia, criticism of the government in Singapore Troubled by the smoke, Malaysians have started boycotting Indonesian products. Malaysian MP Syed Sadiq has called for a ban on companies related to fire. He has also urged people to isolate such companies throughout the region. The Singapore government has set up hundreds of relief centres to protect people from smoke. Masks are being distributed to children, the elderly and those suffering from health problems. The government is also considering making the existing laws related to smoke more stringent. However, people in Singapore have questioned their government's preparations. They say that the government already knew that the drought situation would be severe due to El Nino this year. However, not enough preparations were made to deal with the smoke. Indonesian official's statement sparks controversy Meanwhile, a senior Indonesian official said that humans have no control over forest fires. He also said that the oxygen that neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia get also comes from Indonesian forests. Singapore expressed displeasure over this statement. Senior minister there. Shanmugam called it disappointing and wrong. He said that toxic fumes are causing serious harm to people's health and it cannot be accepted. Shanmugam said that the citizens of both the countries are being affected by this problem, so it should not be made a matter of mutual dispute. He also said that the people of Indonesia are also troubled by pollution. In such a situation, it is also in the interest of Indonesia to take action against the companies that set the fire. Indonesia first threatened, then stopped gas supply A few days after the dispute, Indonesia announced to reduce gas exports to Singapore. The government attributed this to the increasing need for energy in its country. Electricity shortages have also come to light in some areas of Indonesia. However, the decision is being linked to increased tensions between the two countries following criticism from Singapore. Earlier, Indonesia's energy minister warned that countries that do not respect Indonesia could be cut off from gas supplies. President Prabowo also mentioned countries that insult Indonesia on the issue of forest fires. Singapore says the reduction in gas supplies is less than 2 per cent of its total daily needs. Therefore, it will not have much of an impact on its energy supply. Why does Malaysia not want a confrontation with Indonesia?