Who benefits from the burning?
Authorities in both Indonesia and Malaysia must hold accountable not only those who light the fires, but also those who profit from the land on which they burn.
Who profits from the haze? As Kota Kinabalu's air quality index climbed to "unhealthy" levels, Sabahans faced the reality of transboundary smoke from Indonesian fires. The haze wasn't just a number; it was the grey sky that choked outdoor plans and threatened children's health. While blame often falls on Indonesia, the real question should be who profits from the burning.
Companies, directors, and CEOs who reap the benefits of land cleared through deliberate burns should not escape accountability. Recognising that Borneo's forests, peatlands and weather systems transcend political borders, Asean needs stronger mechanisms to share satellite data, identify ownership, investigate corporate actors, and enforce environmental responsibilities.
Malaysia must also address its own role in the haze crisis, ensuring concerns in Sabah receive the same urgency as elsewhere in Malaysia. Borneo does not recognize borders; our policies should reflect this shared reality.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Who benefits from the burning? freemalaysiatoday.com
