Boycott firms linked to transboundary haze, says Syed Saddiq

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has called for Malaysians to boycott companies tied to the transboundary haze caused by Indonesian forest fires, warning that consumers must use their purchasing power to put pressure on them. Drawing inspiration from former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's approach in Malaysia's dispute with the United Kingdom, Syed Saddiq emphasized that the public should not solely rely on the government to tackle the issue.

He stated that our collective purchasing power could compel Indonesian companies to worry. The plea for a boycott comes as haze conditions deteriorate, leading to school closures in several Malaysian states. The haze, originating from forest fires in Indonesia, also prompted an emergency declaration in Serian, Sarawak, in September due to hazardous air pollutant levels.

Syed Saddiq urged Malaysia to adopt a robust diplomatic stance against Indonesia and seek assistance from other ASEAN nations, particularly Singapore, to address the problem. He proposed that Malaysia explore legislation akin to Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, empowering the government to take action against companies responsible for pollution beyond its borders.

Syed Saddiq also called for strict measures against Malaysian companies found complicit in the forest fires.