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 address the recurring haze crisis in Malaysia. Suhakam emphasized that haze is a man-made issue caused by unsustainable land use practices. The commission urged the government to establish legally binding air quality standards as part of the Clean Air Act, in order to protect public health and fundamental human rights.

Access to clean air is considered a basic human right by Suhakam, and they warned that the recurring transboundary haze poses threats to the right to life, health, education, and safe working conditions. Haze levels have reached hazardous proportions in certain areas of Sarawak, leading to school closures and exposing communities to dangerous fine particulate matter.

Suhakam highlighted that vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income communities, are particularly at risk due to limited protection measures. The commission also advocated for legal reforms that would grant individuals the right to bring environmental litigation in the public interest.

Additionally, Suhakam demanded full enforcement of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. Regionally, they called for stronger action under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to improve transparency, monitoring, and cross-border enforcement. Suhakam emphasized that tackling the haze crisis requires structural legal reforms rather than merely reactive measures.