{
  "id": 14850575,
  "title": "MPs demand tougher Asean haze response, call for disaster fund and stricter enforcement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/mps-demand-tougher-asean-haze-response-call-for-disaster-fund-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T02:49:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/16/mps-demand-tougher-asean-haze-response-call-for-disaster-fund-and-stricter-enforcement/239292"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 16, Malaysian MP Lim Guan Eng proposed the formation of a permanent Asean task force to combat the transboundary haze crisis, in collaboration with Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia. During a debate on the Supply Bill 2027 at the early stage in the Dewan Rakyat, Lim suggested that the task force should be backed by a continuous rescue team to respond promptly to forest fires. He warned that if Indonesia persists in rejecting the task force due to sovereignty issues, Malaysia might be forced to pursue legal action for compensation.\n\nLim emphasized that the current crisis is caused by increasingly severe forest and land fires, with the affected area in Indonesia this year measuring 300,000 hectares, which is 70% more than in 2023. Additionally, he urged the government to offer financial aid to those impacted by the haze, especially gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers who were compelled to halt operations due to the poor air quality.\n\nDatuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) also addressed the issue during the same debate, advocating for the exploration of international legal mechanisms to seek compensation from entities responsible for the transboundary haze, including commercial plantation companies that engage in open burning. He highlighted that the recurring haze affects millions in the Asean region, impacting health, tourism, businesses, transport, and international sporting events. Ali expressed worry that the haze could disrupt the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, as the phenomenon typically takes place during that period.\n\nTo address the issue, Ali called for a formal complaint to be lodged with Indonesia, stronger laws on transboundary haze pollution, and the establishment of a disaster fund to assist those affected. He also pushed for stricter enforcement against parties that conduct open burning. The ongoing Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume on Monday.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has proposed the establishment of a permanent Asean task force to tac...",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysian MP Lim Guan Eng proposes permanent Asean task force to combat haze crisis.",
    "Task force backed by continuous rescue team for prompt forest fire response.",
    "Call for financial aid to impacted gig economy workers and disaster fund."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Pushing for regional task forces and legal compensation signals a shift toward holding neighboring states and commercial entities accountable for the escalating economic and health costs of transboundary haze.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "MPs demand tougher Asean haze response, call for disaster fund and stricter enforcement",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/mps-demand-tougher-asean-haze-response-call-for-disaster-fund-and-14852745",
        "published": "2026-10-16T02:49:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}