Enact Clean Air Act to tackle recurring haze crisis, says Suhakam

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the enactment of a Clean Air Act to tackle the recurring haze crisis in Malaysia. Suhakam emphasized that haze is a man-made crisis driven by unsustainable land use, necessitating structural legal reforms rather than merely reactive measures. The commission argued that access to clean air is a fundamental human right, warning that transboundary haze poses serious threats to the right to life, health, education, and safe working conditions.

Haze levels have been reported as hazardous in certain parts of Sarawak, leading to school closures and putting vulnerable groups at high risk of health issues. These include children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income communities, who face limited protection. Suhakam also advocated for legal changes to grant individuals the right to file environmental lawsuits on behalf of the public and called for the strict implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Furthermore, the commission urged for stronger regional action under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to enhance transparency, monitoring, and cross-border enforcement.