I refer to the report “Haze hits levels not seen since 1997 record” (June 18).

As far as my memory serves me, we have experienced the same situation many times, and each time we find ourselves wondering how long it will last.

We can take all precautions to keep ourselves and our children healthy, but there is only so much we can do in this situation other than hope the wind will blow in our favour and take the haze away.

It is time for the Indonesian government to take a serious view on this transboundary haze problem.

As a responsible member of the international community, the Indonesian government must tackle the problem at its roots, be it via education or effective legislation.

Every country should promote good neighbourly relations but we should also be able to take a tough stand when it comes to such issues, especially when it compromises the health and well-being of everyone around. When all else fails, perhaps we should look at the possibility of economic sanctions against the parties and corporations that do not abide by their international obligations.

It is high time the governments act so that our future generations do not live their lives engulfed in smog.