Haze threatens SEA Games: KL

Haze threatens SEA Games: KL

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Concerned that smoke could shroud the Southeast Asian Games in Brunei next week, neighboring Malaysia will step up enforcement of rules against open burning, the government said on Tuesday.

Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said that authorities in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak had been told to clamp down on activities that cause air pollution, including illegal burning that sends smoke over the tiny sultanate of Brunei, the national Bernama news agency reported.

Brunei, which shares Borneo island with parts of Malaysia and Indonesia, will host the SEA Games from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15. The games are expected to draw 4,000 athletes from 10 countries.