PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has urged Asean member states to step up preventive measures and preparedness against transboundary haze as dry weather conditions push air quality to unhealthy levels in parts of the country, says the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic) said Malaysia remained committed to the regional goal of achieving a haze-free Asean by 2030 through effective implementation of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).
He said Malaysia had conveyed its position in an official message to Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn on Friday.
Kurup said prolonged dry weather in the southern Asean region had resulted in an increase in hotspots and haze activity.
The situation could worsen as the El Nino phenomenon is expected to strengthen gradually in the coming months, he added.
“Although fires are currently still under control within the respective borders of Asean member states, the risk of transboundary haze requires collective preparedness and heightened vigilance at the regional level,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Kurup said transboundary haze pollution caused by land and forest fires must be addressed collectively through preventive action, national preparedness and continuous monitoring, in line with the principles of the AATHP.
He urged Asean member states to closely monitor high-risk areas, step up hotspot surveillance, enforce open burning restrictions and ensure effective firefighting readiness to prevent fires from spreading.
Malaysia also welcomed the proactive role of the Asean Secretariat, as the Interim Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, in facilitating information sharing, coordinating preparedness measures among member states and strengthening cooperation under the AATHP.
Kurup said Malaysia was confident that stronger commitment and proactive action by all Asean member states would enhance regional resilience in dealing with climate challenges and help safeguard a sustainable and haze-free environment for present and future generations.
