KL to try cyclones to chase haze away

KL to try cyclones to chase haze away

KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Anxious to clear its skies, Malaysia will try Russian technology touted to create cyclones that chase away haze, yesterday's newspapers quoted the environment minister as saying.

The state-owned Russian company has promised that the first demonstration will be free, The Star daily and other newspapers quoted Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding as saying.

"Since it does not cost us anything, there is no harm in allowing them to demonstrate to us," Law reportedly said.

Skies from Thailand to Australia have been clogged with thick haze for four months, endangering the health of millions. Indonesian forest fires -- some set intentionally to clear land -- are blamed for much of the smog.