Smog hits KL economy

Smog hits KL economy

KUCHING, Malaysia (Reuter): Malaysia's economy has been affected by the smog blowing from fires in Indonesia, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Sunday.

"There is certainly some impact on the economy. Look at tourism, not only Sarawak but also the whole country," he told a news conference during a visit to the Sarawak state on Borneo island, hard hit by the air pollution.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, said industrial operations and productivity had been similarly affected. He did not provide details.

The minister also lifted a 10-day-old smog emergency order on Sarawak that had shut schools, offices and factories except those considered critical services.

He said he would consider any requests for assistance from affected industries.

Bush fires on Sumatra in Indonesia have spread a thick smog over parts of that country and spread to neighboring Singapore and Malaysia.