Permanent Solution To Haze Should Be Regional Priority: Economist

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Finding a permanent solution to combat haze from recurring should be a regional priority, says an economist. Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP Capital said: "The longer the haze continues the more its measured economic impact will become noticeable. "This is particularly as work absences rise -- particularly for those having to work outside in services industries, construction etc -- and in terms of the impact on public health. "But the unmeasured economic impact is where the cost is greatest as the haze is resulting in a huge deterioration in the quality of life for people in the countries affected. "This is a major recurring problem for the region which is resulting in a huge economic cost -- both measured and unmeasured. As such, finding a permanent solution to it should be a regional priority," he told Bernama. Oliver was responding to a question on the impact of haze on Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. "One of the biggest impacts will be on tourism and the reduced attractiveness of the region in terms of a place to come and work, say, for foreigners working in areas like finance. "The latter is particularly important for Singapore," he added. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said the haze and smoke across the region are taking a toll on tourism. "I have no real numbers to back that up, but poor air quality may force tourists to shorten stays or avoid visiting the region at all. "Any reduction in tourism would certainly negatively impact the economy for several nations," he added. The haze not only affected Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, but also in Southern Thailand in 2013, when the air quality stayed for a long period in the hazardous zone, causing health hazards to many whilst incurring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. -- BERNAMA