Jerebu: KJ tuntut kerajaan tegas dengan Indonesia

Former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has criticized Malaysia's soft stance in dealing with Indonesia over deforestation and haze issues. In an audio clip from 'Keluar Sekejap', Khairy admitted that Malaysia needs to be more firm in its approach, but argued that it cannot simply let other countries continue to exploit its resources.

He acknowledged the need for diplomacy, but expressed disappointment with Malaysia's government for not standing up for its own interests. Khairy also criticized Indonesia's lack of transparency in handling the environmental crisis, which has been ongoing for two months. As a former Youth Chief of Umno, he called for a cross-border law to take action against the Malaysian palm oil company found responsible for the deforestation and haze.

He emphasized that Malaysia lacks any mechanisms within ASEAN to punish Indonesia for its actions. On Monday, Minister of Indigenous Peoples and Environment Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that enacting cross-border laws requires consideration of their effectiveness, diplomatic implications, and the burden of proof, as well as whether they can be enforced.