LANGKAWI: Complacency by Asean countries is not an option if we want a haze-free South-East Asian region by 2030, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He urged Asean ministers of environment not to intensify their efforts to create a haze-free region only when there is a crisis but to maintain consistent efforts even when skies are clear.
Johari addressed 11 Asean environment ministers gathered here today (Sept 3) for the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COP-20), held on the sidelines of the 18th Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (AMME-18).
Malaysia currently presides over the COP-20.
Johari, who is the Plantations and Commodities Minister, chaired COP-20 in his capacity as the acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister.
"The urgency of our work cannot be overstated, for even in years when haze incidents are less severe, complacency is not an option.
"The fires and haze episodes of 1997, 2006, 2015, and 2023, driven by land clearing, agricultural expansion, and exacerbated by natural climate phenomena, stand as stark reminders of the scale of the challenge before us.
Malaysia experienced transboundary haze incidents in July 2025, reminding us that despite the progress achieved, our task is far from complete. Transboundary haze is more than an environmental issue.
It is linked to climate change, economic resilience, and the wellbeing of our people. Thus, our discussions today must also be seen in the context of the global climate agenda.
The Paris Agreement urges all Parties to enhance climate action.
Johari stated that achieving a haze-free Asean by 2030 should be perceived not merely as a domestic achievement but as a global goal on emission reduction, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.
"Too often, momentum intensifies only in moments of crisis and recedes once the skies clear. This cycle must be broken through consistent commitment at the highest levels.
"Equally important is the positioning of science as the cornerstone of policy-making. Decisions anchored in sound evidence, credible data, and trusted expertise will not only guide the right actions but also deliver tangible and lasting results," said Johari.
He emphasized that a haze-free Asean is a collective responsibility of all Asean countries, which must work as one.
"The haze crisis is a recurring reminder that regional challenges require regional solutions," said Johari.
Malaysia is this year’s Asean chair and will host the summit under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability."
The 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits, scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October, is set to be one of the largest in the grouping's history.
