{
  "id": 14710586,
  "title": "Establish permanent Asean task force to tackle haze, MP tells Dewan Rakyat",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/establish-permanent-asean-task-force-to-tackle-haze-mp-tells-dewan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:56:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1556418/establish-permanent-asean-task-force-tackle-haze-mp-tells-dewan-rakyat"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Malaysian MP Lim Guan Eng has proposed the establishment of a permanent ASEAN task force to tackle transboundary haze, in collaboration with Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Speaking during the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat, Lim emphasized the need for a dedicated rescue team to respond promptly to forest fires. He also warned that if Indonesia continues to reject the task force due to sovereignty concerns, Malaysia may resort to legal action to seek compensation. The haze crisis, driven by severe forest and land fires, has affected an area of 300,000 hectares in Indonesia this year, a 70% increase from 2023. Lim called for special financial assistance for those affected, particularly gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers, due to the unhealthy air quality. Meanwhile, Datuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) urged the government to explore international legal mechanisms to seek compensation from parties responsible for the haze, including commercial plantation companies engaged in open burning. He expressed concern about the haze's impact on tourism, businesses, transport, and international sporting events, such as the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, which typically occurs during the haze season.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Establish ASEAN Task Force To Combat Haze, MP Tells Dewan Rakyat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/general-establish-asean-task-force-to-combat-haze-mp-tells-dewan",
        "published": "2026-10-15T11:24:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}