Anwar: Asean haze mechanism needs stronger action, Malaysia won’t shield firms

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today said there was room to improve the existing Asean mechanism for tackling transboundary haze. 

He stressed that the issue required more serious attention given its impact on public health.

“There is room for improvement. 

“I think the Asean ministers must seriously look at it because this is affecting lives, particularly children and babies,” he told reporters when met at the Plantation and Commodities Ministry monthly assembly here today. 

Anwar was responding to questions on whether the current Asean mechanism on transboundary haze was sufficient and whether stronger enforcement was needed.

He said the recurring impact of haze on neighbouring countries showed the need to assess whether existing regional mechanisms were sufficiently effective.

“The Asean ministers have to seriously look at this,” he said.

When asked on action taken against alleged perpetrators, Anwar said those were merely allegations as fires detected were mainly forest fires. 

“Most of the fires that we detected were forest fires,” he said.

Anwar acknowledged that Malaysia had companies operating in Indonesia and would allow Indonesian authorities to take action if Malaysian firms were found to be involved.

“If there are Malaysian companies involved, we give room for Indonesia to take action. 

“We certainly will not defend them,” he said.

Anwar’s remarks come as the region continues to grapple with the recurring problem of transboundary haze, which can affect air quality and public health across national borders.