Haze: Johor assemblyman slams Indonesia over 'we send oxygen' remarks

Johor Baru assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng has harshly rebuked an Indonesian government official for suggesting that Indonesia's forests provide oxygen to neighbouring countries during the transboundary haze crisis. Chen found the remarks offensive, as they downplayed the severe health impacts experienced by Malaysians, particularly the claim that forest and land fires are a natural occurrence.

Chen emphasized that accessing clean air is an urgent human right, protected by United Nations and Asean declarations. He urged the Indonesian spokesperson to apologise to Indonesians and all affected Asean nations for allowing the haze to expose neighbours to harmful PM2.5 particles. Chen stressed that Malaysians are suffering, yet the Indonesian official was making light of their health concerns.

The assemblyman's comments came in response to a statement from Indonesian Government Communications Agency head Syahganda Nainggolan, who claimed that the forest and land fires causing the haze were beyond human control and considered a natural phenomenon. Syahganda also claimed that Indonesia provided oxygen through its forests during non-haze periods, and that Indonesia maintained good diplomatic relations with Malaysia.

The viral video clip showed Syahganda defending Indonesia's actions against the haze pollution. Neighbouring countries affected by the transboundary haze have called for more stringent measures to prevent forest and land fires, and for those responsible to be held accountable.