Malaysia proposes ASEAN haze fund and science diplomacy framework

Malaysia is proposing two major initiatives to address transboundary haze within the ASEAN region: a Science Diplomacy framework and a Sustainable Haze Fund. These proposals aim to move beyond reactive measures toward long-term regional solutions.

The Science Diplomacy framework seeks to standardize the use of data, satellite monitoring, and scientific research to improve regional decision-making and policy development. The Sustainable Haze Fund is intended to create a continuous source of funding to support fire prevention, early monitoring, and firefighting infrastructure in source areas.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that these proposals are currently being reviewed by the ASEAN Secretariat. Malaysia intends to table them during the 21st Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) in Vietnam this December. Malaysia is also scheduled to chair and host the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) meeting next year.