Pemimpin Pemuda PKR gesa hidupkan semula akta jerebu rentas sempadan

A young PKR leader has urged the government to revive the Cross-Border Smoke Pollution Act, emphasizing that diplomatic and riverine collaboration alone are no longer sufficient to tackle the recurring issue. Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi recently stated that Malaysia prioritizes long-term diplomatic cooperation and preventive measures over punitive actions against neighboring countries in addressing transboundary smoke pollution.

The PKR deputy leader, Nabil Halimi, argued that legal provisions should enable action against parties proven to cause transboundary pollution, including Malaysian companies operating abroad. He questioned why Malaysians continue to suffer from the same problems, asking in a statement, "If diplomacy is deemed sufficient, why are citizens still enduring the same issues?"

Earlier this year, Malaysia considered specific legislation to address transboundary smoke pollution but abandoned the proposal in 2020 due to feasibility concerns, diplomatic relations, and difficulties obtaining evidence from other nations. The government decided against introducing such legislation again in 2023 after consulting the Attorney General's Department and legal experts about the difficulties in proving transboundary violations.

The transboundary smoke issue resurfaced in late 2022 when several areas in Sarawak reported unhealthy and hazardous air quality indices, prompting the government to launch an aerial firefighting operation. Environment, Conservation, and Natural Resources Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup also stated that Malaysia is willing to assist Indonesia in combating forest and land fires, including through aerial operations and cloud seeding.

Halimi further urged Malaysia to utilize the Asean platform to demand clearer data sharing, establish prevention and enforcement measures with clear timelines, and assert that while respecting the sovereignty of ASEAN member states, transboundary pollution cannot be considered a purely domestic issue. He emphasized that the principle of non-interference cannot become an excuse to pollute neighboring countries, and lives, health, and citizens' rights must take precedence over diplomatic convenience.