KUCHING: Malaysia will discuss proactive measures with Indonesia on how to prevent the recurring transboundary haze rather than demand compensation, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a coordination mechanism to prevent the haze will be high on the agenda when he meets Indonesian Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka in Jakarta today.
Dismissing calls for Malaysia to demand Indonesia pay compensation for the damages caused by the smog, he said Malaysia’s preference is to prevent wildfires, which are the root cause of the haze.
“We believe prevention is better than cure, the need to take early preventive measures,” he told a press conference after chairing a high-level committee (HLC) meeting on national disaster management here yesterday.
Describing this as a long-term approach, Ahmad Zahid said seeking compensation “would not represent a definitive responsibility that should be borne by any particular country”.
“Diplomatic measures must be taken alongside technical efforts between officials of neighbouring countries,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said if preventive measures are taken early, then Malaysia and Indonesia could avoid having to deal with sensitive issues that arise from the haze.
In facing the “Super El Nino” that could hit Malaysia next month, the meeting agreed cloud seeding need not wait for a request to be made.
“Our position now is that we should not wait for a request before conducting cloud seeding operations,” he said.
Zahid said the Malaysian Meteorological Department could initiate the seeding operations if the conditions are right.
Sarawak had earlier this month requested for such operations over its three main hydroelectric dams at Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum and a dozen of water catchment areas across the state to increase water levels.
The meeting also agreed that the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will purchase assets used in disaster management, and these assets will then be allocated to the relevant agencies that require them like the police, Fire and Rescue Department and Civil Defence Force.
