Pemimpin Pemuda PKR gesa hidupkan semula akta jerebu rentas sempadan

A prominent youth leader from PKR has urged the government to revive the contingency plan for transboundary haze pollution, emphasizing that a diplomatic and regional cooperation approach is no longer sufficient to tackle the recurring problem. Deputy Leader Nabil Halimi stated that the relevant legislation must allow for action against those proven to cause transboundary pollution, including Malaysian companies operating abroad.

"If diplomacy is deemed sufficient, why do people still bear the same problems?" he asked in a statement. Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia prioritizes long-term diplomatic cooperation and preventive measures over punitive actions against neighboring countries in handling transboundary haze. As Head of the National Disaster Management Unit, Zahid also said a soft and structured diplomatic approach is the most effective way to handle a sensitive issue between ASEAN nations, while ensuring technical alignment can be achieved.

Previously, Malaysia has considered specific legislation to handle transboundary haze, but the proposal was not pursued in 2020 after the government took into account enforcement capability, diplomatic relations, and the difficulty of obtaining evidence from other countries. In 2023, the government once again decided not to introduce such legislation after taking into account the views of the State Attorney's Department and legal experts on the difficulties of proving liability across borders.

The government has since clarified that it does not fully rule out the possibility of introducing such legislation. The transboundary haze issue has regained attention since last month when several areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy to dangerous Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, prompting the government to launch an aerial firefighting operation.

Resources Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup also stated that Malaysia is ready to assist Indonesia in combating forest and land fires, including through aerial and firefighting operations. Nabil emphasized that the contingency plan must include stronger investigative powers, the obligation to provide information, and penalties for those causing pollution.

"No one can profit at the expense of others, but our people are bearing the cost of their pollution," he said. Nabil also urged Malaysia to use the Asean platform to demand clearer data sharing and establish preventive and enforcement measures with a clear timeframe. He said while the principle of not interfering in the affairs of ASEAN member states must be respected, pollution that crosses borders cannot be considered merely a domestic issue.

"The principle of non-interference cannot become a license to pollute neighbors. Lives, health, and people's rights must take precedence over diplomatic convenience," he added.