Malaysia to push stronger Asean action on transboundary haze next year, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — Malaysia's minister of natural resources and environmental sustainability, Arthur Joseph Kurup, announced plans to address transboundary haze through stronger Asean action during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. Kurup, who is also chairing the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) meeting next year, emphasized the importance of collective action and shared responsibility among Asean member states.

He highlighted that Malaysia's proposals at the 27th Sub-Regional MSC Meeting, including "Science Diplomacy" and a "Sustainable Haze Fund," are currently under review by the Asean Secretariat. Kurup also mentioned that Malaysia has stepped up air quality monitoring and haze management in Sarawak, including through Cloud Seeding Operations, and has engaged in direct consultations with Indonesia's Environment Minister to expedite fire-fighting efforts.

Both countries have agreed to coordinate the deployment of aid through their respective Foreign Ministries.