Asean digesa perkukuh kesiapsiagaan hadapi jerebu rentas sempadan

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is urging collective readiness and heightened awareness to combat the risk of transboundary forest fires, according to Malaysia's Minister of Rural and Environment, Arthur Joseph Kurup. Kurup emphasized the importance of prevention, national preparedness, and continuous monitoring in accordance with the Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).

He stated that while fires remain contained within individual member countries' borders, the risk of cross-border fires demands collaborative efforts and high awareness at the regional level.

Kurup highlighted the necessity of early intervention, accurate information exchange, and tight regional coordination as fundamental elements in effectively managing the issue. He noted that recent dry conditions in the southern ASEAN region have led to an increase in hotspots and fires, which could expand further due to the anticipated strengthening of El Niño in the coming months.

Malaysia called for proactive measures by the Asean Secretariat, as the current Coordination Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution (ACC THPC), to facilitate information dissemination, synchronize preparedness actions among member countries, and strengthen mechanisms for cooperation under the AATHP. Kurup expressed confidence that unified commitment and proactive actions from all ASEAN member countries will enhance regional resilience against climate challenges, safeguarding the environment, safety, and freedom from fires for current and future generations.