[UPDATED] Anwar: Malaysia has done all it can to tackle transboundary haze

Malaysia and Singapore have been enveloped in haze originating from Indonesian forest and land fires over the past weeks, leading to a surge in respiratory ailments and prompting school holidays in portions of Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed the nation's efforts to address the cross-border haze, acknowledging the government's best attempt to tackle the issue.

This statement came after he inaugurated the Universiti Malaya Student Residency Project at the university's Fifth Residential College, in response to former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin's criticism on his Keluar Sekejap podcast. Khairy had claimed Malaysia had been "too soft" in dealing with Indonesia over the haze matter, advocating for a tougher approach but recognizing the importance of diplomacy.

Indonesian forest and land fires have recently enveloped neighboring Malaysia and Singapore in haze, resulting in a surge in respiratory conditions and school closures in certain areas of Malaysia. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan indicated that Malaysia is anticipated to raise the transboundary haze concern during the upcoming Asean foreign ministers' meeting in Manila next month.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup suggested that any proposed legislation on transboundary haze must evaluate its efficacy, diplomatic repercussions, burden of proof, and enforceability. He added that efforts to combat the issue are becoming increasingly difficult due to climate variability, prolonged dry spells, and farming practices.