Malaysia proposes Sustainable Haze Fund, science diplomacy for transboundary haze fight at Asean meeting, says Tok Mat

Malaysia has proposed a Sustainable Haze Fund and enhanced scientific diplomacy to combat transboundary haze pollution at an Asean meeting, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The minister emphasized the need for a proactive and coordinated regional response to address deteriorating air quality, which has caused unhealthy and hazardous air conditions, posing significant risks to public health, livelihoods, and daily activities, especially for vulnerable populations.

Hasan urged the ratification of the Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control and highlighted the importance of early deployment for improved regional preparedness and responsiveness. He expressed appreciation for Indonesia's ongoing efforts to control land and forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, which have led to severe transboundary haze in the region.

Hasan also acknowledged the challenges posed by El Nino conditions and called for Malaysia's proposals to be considered at the Conference of the Parties in December and through its chairmanship of the Ministerial Steering Committee in 2027. Additionally, he stressed the need for Asean to strengthen consensus and safeguard its centrality amid growing geopolitical and economic fragmentation, while highlighting the importance of diversifying supply chains, deepening intra-Asean trade, and strengthening regional production networks.