MPs demand tougher Asean haze response, call for disaster fund and stricter enforcement

On October 16, Malaysian MP Lim Guan Eng proposed the formation of a permanent Asean task force to combat the transboundary haze crisis, in collaboration with Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. During a debate on the Supply Bill 2027 at the early stage in the Dewan Rakyat, Lim suggested that the task force should be backed by a continuous rescue team to respond promptly to forest fires.

He warned that if Indonesia persists in rejecting the task force due to sovereignty issues, Malaysia might be forced to pursue legal action for compensation.

Lim emphasized that the current crisis is caused by increasingly severe forest and land fires, with the affected area in Indonesia this year measuring 300,000 hectares, which is 70% more than in 2023. Additionally, he urged the government to offer financial aid to those impacted by the haze, especially gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers who were compelled to halt operations due to the poor air quality.

Datuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) also addressed the issue during the same debate, advocating for the exploration of international legal mechanisms to seek compensation from entities responsible for the transboundary haze, including commercial plantation companies that engage in open burning. He highlighted that the recurring haze affects millions in the Asean region, impacting health, tourism, businesses, transport, and international sporting events.

Ali expressed worry that the haze could disrupt the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, as the phenomenon typically takes place during that period.

To address the issue, Ali called for a formal complaint to be lodged with Indonesia, stronger laws on transboundary haze pollution, and the establishment of a disaster fund to assist those affected. He also pushed for stricter enforcement against parties that conduct open burning. The ongoing Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume on Monday.