NST Leader: The haze crisis needs more than promises
With schools in half of the country ordered closed in view of the worsening haze, the command by the king to prioritise the health of schoolchildren is well taken.
The haze crisis in Malaysia has reached a critical point, with schools in half the country being shut down due to deteriorating air quality. The king's directive to prioritize the health of students highlights the severity of the situation, as pollution levels approach highly unhealthy thresholds. The closures not only pose a health emergency but also disrupt the lives of parents who must find childcare while they work.
It is natural for Malaysians to point fingers at Indonesia, where the forest fires – often intentionally set – originate. This issue has persisted for over two decades, and questions arise about the number of further closures, disrupted flights, hospital admissions, and weeks of inhaling polluted air required before the haze is recognized as a persistent regional emergency rather than an annual annoyance.
Malaysia has sought Indonesia's cooperation, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has discussed the matter with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who assured him that steps are being taken. Malaysia's offer to help combat the fires has been accepted, but protocols need to be streamlined to avoid delays in joint action.
While public frustration in Malaysia is understandable, it should be balanced with empathy for Indonesians facing even more severe conditions in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. The anger towards Indonesia's inadequate response to the fires and its culprits may grow among Indonesians, who must demand an end to this haze pollution.
However, assurances from top Indonesian leaders, while appreciated, are not enough. The recurring transboundary haze demands concrete action, accountability, and prevention, rather than reactive crisis management every time the skies turn grey due to human-induced causes. Instead of escalating tensions into a diplomatic confrontation with Indonesia, it is more productive to welcome Prabowo's commitment to address the root of the problem and work together for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Malaysia must make it clear, though, that good neighborliness does not entail accepting the same crisis year after year. Indonesia must prove that its promises lead to real, lasting, effective action on the ground.
Malaysia and ASEAN as a whole need to strengthen mechanisms to prevent another haze episode from becoming a region-wide public health crisis. School closures should serve as a wake-up call, ensuring that children do not have to miss school due to governments' failure to prevent a problem that has plagued the region for decades.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
