Who’s behind the haze? No conclusive evidence linking Malaysian firms to Indonesia fires, says Arthur Kurup

KUALA LUMPUR, October 28 — Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that there is no conclusive evidence linking Malaysian plantation companies to the fires in Indonesia. Kurup said both the NRES and the Plantation and Commodities Ministry had investigated allegations of Malaysian firms being involved in burning activities in Indonesia.

He emphasized that the government's stance is clear that any party proven responsible for haze pollution must face appropriate legal action. Kurup was concluding a debate on the Supply Bill 2027 for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a question about proposals for specific legislation to tackle transboundary haze pollution and penalize responsible companies.

He stated that the proposal to limit financing for companies found responsible needed further examination, particularly regarding the legal framework, evidence requirements, jurisdiction, and potential impact on the financial sector. Kurup also noted that while the government has examined the idea of enacting a Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, implementation would be challenging due to issues of jurisdiction, evidence collection and verification overseas, determining corporate liability, and respecting other countries' sovereignty.

Regarding compensation claims, he pointed out that the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) does not currently offer a specific mechanism for countries to seek compensation against each other. However, the government is open to exploring other legal avenues, provided there is a basis under international law. Kurup stressed that a thorough analysis of the economic losses caused by haze, including its impact on public health, productivity, and economic activity, is necessary to provide a scientific and economic foundation for policy decisions and subsequent actions.