Indonesia warns against starting open blazes as haze from wildfires spreads to Malaysia

Malaysia is intensifying diplomatic efforts with Indonesia to address worsening transboundary haze, especially in Sarawak, where air quality in Serian has plunged to a very unhealthy level, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The government will formally communicate its concerns to Indonesia through ASEAN mechanisms and will also engage directly with the ASEAN Secretariat.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup will submit a letter to his Indonesian counterpart, while Malaysia will raise the issue directly with the ASEAN Secretariat. The move aims to strengthen regional coordination between Malaysia and Indonesia in tackling forest fires and the resulting cross-border air pollution.

The diplomatic push follows a sharp deterioration in air quality in Serian, near the Malaysia-Indonesia border, which raised concerns over the health impact on residents. The Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) recorded an air pollution index (API) reading of 242 at the Serian district police headquarters, placing the area in the very unhealthy category.

Malaysia's decision to utilize ASEAN's established mechanisms signals a strong push for addressing the haze issue through coordinated regional action rather than bilateral efforts alone.