Malaysian man files police report against Indonesian govt over haze, claiming $139 million

The Petronas Twin Towers and other buildings stand shrouded in haze in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Oct 19, 2015. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG

PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A police report has been lodged over the Indonesian government's handling of the fires in Sumatra that has led to deteriorating air quality in Malaysia.

Tired of putting up with the unhealthy air quality, a 52-year-old businessman lodged the report at the Kepala Batas station in the Malaysian state of Penang on Wednesday (Oct 21), saying the haze had reached intolerable levels and was affecting his family.

The man, who resides in Sungei Petani in Kedah, wants the international courts to prosecute the Indonesian government and claim US$100 million (S$139 million) as compensation from the government for causing the haze.

The Air Pollutant Index in Kepala Batas showed a reading of 244 (very unhealthy) as of 9am on Thursday (Oct 22).

In the report, the man said he was in Kepala Batas town when he found the haze reaching intolerable levels.

He said the haze had worsened until the air quality became very unhealthy and he and his family could not breathe well.

"I wish to take action in the international courts and also claim US$100million from the Indonesian government."

The man could not be reached for comment.

Police in Kepala Batas confirmed receiving the report.

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