Malaysia urges all ASEAN member states to take collective action, in accordance with the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) principles, through preventive measures, national-level preparedness, and continuous monitoring, to improve readiness in addressing the risks of transboundary haze.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, pointed out that all member countries need to strengthen control and preventive preparedness, including ongoing close monitoring of high-risk areas, enhanced hotspot monitoring, strengthened enforcement of open burning bans, and ensuring efficient firefighting preparedness.
In a statement, he said that yesterday, an official letter communicating the above position was sent to ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn.
He said that although fire incidents within member countries' borders are currently under control, the risk of transboundary haze requires collective regional preparedness and heightened vigilance.
"Implementing early intervention, exchanging accurate information, and maintaining close regional coordination are fundamental elements in effectively addressing the haze issue."
He said that monitoring of current weather conditions shows that persistent drought in southern ASEAN is causing an increase in hotspot activity and haze.
"With the El Niño phenomenon expected to gradually intensify in the coming months, this situation may further worsen."
Arthur noted that Malaysia welcomes the ASEAN Secretariat’s proactive role as the Interim ASEAN Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC), promoting information dissemination, coordinating preventive measures among member states, and strengthening cooperation mechanisms under the AATHP framework.
"Malaysia believes that the firm commitment and proactive actions of all ASEAN member states will enhance the region's capacity to cope with climate challenges, and safeguard a sustainable, prosperous, and haze-free environment for present and future generations."