Health select committee taking haze concerns to Indonesian Embassy

The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health (JKPK) will submit a memorandum to the Indonesian Embassy on Monday, addressing the cross-border haze issue. The committee's chairman, Suhaizan Kaiat, emphasized that the haze problem affects various aspects, including the environment, public health, citizen safety, the national economy, and diplomatic relations between neighboring countries. The haze has turned KLCC into a haze-infested region, making it difficult to see the city.

Khoo Poay Tiong, from PH-Kota Melaka, called for the government to take strong measures against local companies allegedly involved in forest fires that caused the haze. According to a Greenpeace report, 20 companies, including a major national plantation company, are suspected of involvement. Khoo urged the government to take measures similar to Singapore's, which has issued warning notices to 10 companies linked to the forest fire incidents in Indonesia.

Vivian Wong Shir Yee, from PH-Sandakan, proposed that the government allocate funds for implementing the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) method to control the stray animal population nationwide. She argued that a consistent TNR program can ethically reduce the stray animal population over time, preventing conflicts between animal lovers, local authorities, and the public.

The Flying Doctor Service (FDS) was also discussed, with Rodiyah Sapiee requesting the government to provide comprehensive insurance protection for health personnel involved in the FDS, including death and permanent disability compensation. Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy highlighted that 36% of medical officers offered permanent placements in Sabah and Sarawak this year did not report for duty.

He suggested reviewing the Regional Incentive Payment (BIW) rate for officers serving in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak and establishing a special quota for students from Sabah and Sarawak in medical fields at public universities. The Dewan Rakyat session will continue the next day.