Sumatra, Indonesia
Forest fires in Indonesia that have blanketed nearby Malaysia with smoke were mostly set by Malaysian companies, the Indonesian government said this week. Companies that own plantations and mines often set fires during the summer as a cheap—if illegal—way to clear land. Each summer, the smoke floats across the Malacca Strait to Malaysia, causing respiratory and visibility problems and forcing the temporary closure of schools and businesses. Eight of the 10 companies being prosecuted for illegal fires this year are Malaysian-owned.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
What has Kamala Harris done as vice president?In Depth It's not uncommon for the second-in-command to struggle to prove themselves in a role largely defined by behind-the-scenes work
-
Today's political cartoons - September 16, 2024Monday's cartoons - a second assassination attempt, eating pets, and more
-
'If this is a race, China has a commanding lead'Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
