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

KUALA LUMPUR, October 16 — MP Lim Guan Eng has suggested the formation of a permanent Asean task force to combat the transboundary haze crisis, in collaboration with Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. While discussing the Supply Bill 2027 in the policy stage of the Dewan Rakyat today, Lim emphasized the need for a year-round rescue team to respond swiftly to forest fires.

If Indonesia persists in rejecting the task force due to sovereignty concerns, Malaysia might resort to legal action to claim compensation. Lim stressed that Malaysians cannot remain passive amidst the haze crisis without taking action. He further pointed out that the current crisis is a result of increasingly severe forest and land fires, with the affected area in Indonesia this year expanding to 300,000 hectares, a 70% increase from 2023.

Lim also called for special financial aid to those impacted by the haze, especially gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers who were compelled to cease work due to poor air quality.

During the same parliamentary debate, Datuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) proposed exploring international legal avenues to seek compensation from entities responsible for the transboundary haze, including commercial plantation companies that engage in open burning. Ali highlighted that the recurrent haze not only harms the health of millions in the Asean region but also affects tourism, businesses, transport, and the hosting of international sporting events.

Concerned about the haze's potential to disrupt the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, Ali urged the government to formally protest against Indonesia, reinforce laws regarding transboundary haze pollution, and consider establishing a disaster fund to aid those affected. He also advocated for stricter enforcement against parties conducting open burning. The Dewan Rakyat session will resume on Monday.