Malaysia to use Asean diplomatic channels to address transboundary haze
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysia will utilise Asean diplomatic channels to seek a solution to the transboundary haze affecting several areas in the region, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Malaysia plans to use Asean diplomatic channels to tackle the transboundary haze impacting several regions in the area, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He emphasized that Asean remains the most suitable platform for tackling regional issues. The Malaysian Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) will forward an official letter to the Asean Secretariat soon.
NRES Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup will also correspond with his Indonesian counterpart. Hasan stated that Asean is the optimal mechanism for addressing regional issues, with the Secretariat being the most effective entity to manage this matter. The Foreign Minister is currently on a three-day visit to Brunei, coinciding with the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Exchange of Letters (EOL-27) on August 21 and the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders Consultation (ALC-27) on August 22.
During their meeting, Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Datuk Mohd Aini Atan mentioned that the haze issue is expected to be among the topics discussed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, during the ALC-27. As per data from the Malaysian Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS) portal, as of 4 pm today, the Serian district police Headquarters in Sarawak reported an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 217, classified as 'very unhealthy'.
Nine other areas in Sarawak, including Sri Aman, Sarikei, Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Samalaju, Bintulu, Mukah, and Kapit, also recorded unhealthy API levels.
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