Kuala Lampur, Sept. 22 -- So, it seems Singapore and Malaysia are united again - well, at least in terms of facing a common obstacle.

That's right, everyone, we are all choking on haze.

Which is a polite word for a toxic cloud of particulate matter, carbon dioxide, chemical and aerosol residue. Basically various nasty things.

Now the reality is that in this part of the world this is an annual occurrence. Farmers and plantation owners in Indonesia - particularly Sumatra and Borneo - set fires during dry months, usually August and September.

This is the most effective and cheapest way for them to clear new land for planting.

Effectively they are clearing forest land for their crops but the result, when this activity is repeated and spr...