Malaysia’s fury rises as Indonesian haze shuts schools, blankets region, and sparks calls for accountability

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Schools are closed, sports complexes remain shuttered, and mass mask handouts are being distributed due to the Indonesian wildfire haze causing a regional pollution crisis. Malaysian parliamentarian Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman called for the Indonesian fires to be treated as outcasts in the region, reflecting frustration with Indonesia's inability to control the fires.

Malaysian parliamentarian Syerleena Abdul Rashid emphasized that Malaysia and Indonesia are close neighbours, but the relationship must come with responsibility. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended their approach, stating that they have done everything they can to engage Indonesia on the issue. However, frustration is growing among Malaysia's citizens and tourists, with one tour operator stating that the Indonesian government needs to do the right thing.

Malaysia has offered help to Indonesia in fighting the blazes, but cooperation began only after talks between disaster management officials from both countries. Indonesia's wildfires are regular during its annual dry season, but this year's blazes are exacerbated by a strong El Nino weather phenomenon. The crisis is not new, and in 2002, ASEAN members inked an agreement on transboundary haze pollution, but it lacks enforcement mechanisms.

Malaysia has requested an urgent meeting with ASEAN to discuss the latest crisis, and the issue will be on the agenda at the next foreign ministers meeting. Syerleena criticized Indonesia's communication agency chief's comments, calling them insensitive. Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto ordered the government to mobilize maximum efforts to battle the wildfires, but progress is unlikely due to concerns about domestic sovereignty.