Malaysia urges ASEAN to strengthen transboundary haze preparedness

Malaysia is calling for increased collective action among ASEAN member states to prepare for the risks of transboundary haze. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasized the need for enhanced prevention, national preparedness, and continuous monitoring under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).

Due to prolonged dry conditions in southern ASEAN and the expected strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon, there has been an increase in hotspot activity. Malaysia has urged member states to improve control measures, intensify hotspot surveillance, enforce open burning bans, and ensure efficient firefighting operations. The country has also welcomed the role of the ASEAN Secretariat as the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control.

In a separate development, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah agreed to utilize ASEAN mechanisms to address the haze threat during the 27th Annual Leaders' Consultation. The two leaders also reached a preliminary understanding to resolve long-standing border disputes based on historical and legal factors, noting that approximately 50 percent of land border issues between the two nations have already been resolved.