SINGAPORE: Malaysia-born actor Jaspers Lai has turned his frustration over the ongoing haze into a parody song that has amused social media users, with his video garnering more than 1.2 million views.
The 39-year-old shared the video on Instagram on Oct 10, slipping into his popular Auntie Guci persona in a maroon long-sleeved top and pearl necklace.
He used a smoke filter to recreate the haze while lip-syncing to a parody of Malaysian singer Jess Lee's hit breakup ballad A, B, C, D.
In the caption, Lai tagged Jess and asked: "Not even a single sorry?"
He also appealed to the singer: "Can you sing this version? Sing the haze away please."
According to a news report, Lai spent an entire evening rewriting the lyrics and used artificial intelligence to produce the track.
The reworked version pokes fun at the haze, describing irritated eyes, persistent coughing and the seemingly endless smoke-filled air.
Lai also injected humour into the everyday frustrations caused by the poor air quality, joking that his boss still expected him to turn up for work and that he could not afford to obtain a medical certificate.
Taking a swipe at the cross-border haze, he sings: "You and I are neighbours, how can you bear to turn my home into Genting?"
The line compares the smoke-covered surroundings to Malaysia's famous hill resort, known for its cool, misty weather.
The video attracted more than 40,000 likes and drew reactions from fellow celebrities, including actor Romeo Tan, who asked: "Is your house still okay?"
Lai responded cheekily: "Can I move in with you for a week?"
Tan played along, saying he could even stay for a year.
Lai followed up with another parody video on Oct 13, this time dressed in a school uniform and joking about students getting a break from classes because of the poor air quality.
Working adults, however, were not as fortunate.
"But you still need to go to work! Haha! A song a day to chase the haze away!" he wrote.
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