This time, we hope they get the message. As one of the biggest victims of the pollution, Malaysia might have been expected to have the most to say. Some 31 have promised to pay up and officials plan to pursue the rest. At the start of the next dry season, he suggests, Indonesian authorities should crack down hard on firms clearing their land by burning. It will send a clear signal that such action is not tolerated.
Legal action is one avenue.
In Indonesia, the environment group Walhi has raised the possibility of class-action suits, allowed under the new law to punish polluters. Few people in Indonesia place faith in such measures putting an end to the activities of the boldest culprits, given their connections with the top of the political establishment. But the growing economic cost of the fires to Indonesia's neighbors might. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you.