The Silent Killer

(By: Geronimo Stilton)

I knew this was not the perfect time for another creepy story. That would have to wait

for October 31st. Ironic, it was just the start of spring back in Manchester, another

monotonous humid day over here in Malaysia. As I peered out the windowsill, I

watched as the sunset silhouette inched millimeter by millimeter over the grotesque

city they called Kuala Lumpur and the Hunger Games began. Your silent killer could

be anywhere.

How absurd, that this funny silent killer could not be seen but felt. It canseep into your

nostrils penetrating every living cell who could almost scream of agony you

guessed it. Haze is the culprit; the very old enemy that used to spark tensions

between President Joko Widodo and Dato Najib way back in 2013 the enemy within.

It silently laughs at those who got strangled in its asthma attacks, coughing their

way to heart failure, with every strife. It is the one that causes mischief, irritating

peoples eyes, nose and throat to what seemed like eternity.

Alas! Dear haze, be prepared to be amazed by the uprising of the innocent, those who

have been slayed as your victims it is high time for the civilised citizens to put a

finger on this everlasting issue; remember, it all starts within. Your very own self-

defense! It is always better for you to be productive even though you stay indoors.

Hence, it is best for you to exercise indoors, coupled with regular showers to avoid

falling sick. This is also to maintain a clean and healthy personality even within your

own vicinity.

Furthermore, in order to avoid unfathomable risks from the unprecedented haze, be

sure to wear a mask ~ even if it makes you look like Darth Vader Unless you want

the haze to clandestinely choke you to death first! Therefore, try to avoid outdoor

activities since the lethal dust and microorganisms could be everywhere as far as the

eye can see within the closest proximity.

In extension to that, it is of utmost importance for you to continue a healthy lifestyle

in terms of daily habits. Be reminded to eat balanced food as well as drink plenty of

water most of the time. Perhaps it could be a lot better if you use an air-conditioned
room and avoid smoking; the closest cousin of haze Habits do affect a large portion

of your life besides shoving away barbaric (unhealthy) life choices.

On the other hand, environmental organisations also play an integral role apart from

individual concern. The precedence of bilateral agreements and treaties between

ASEAN nations in the struggle to combat haze problems has already shown positive

credence towards a better environmental friendly nation. Remember how the Kyoto

Protocol has been an effective nudge for Japan in order to prevent environmental

negligence? I sincerely believe it is high time individuals as well as corporations, to

get together as one voice.

Dear readers, the environment is our Mother Nature. However, her maternalistic

features are also defenseless at the same time if no one was there to defend her.

Never let this silent killer stampede her mercilessly. It is everyones pure love and

moral obligation to nip the problem in the bud by not allowing open burning to take

place unanimously Prevention is always better than cure.