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.