KUALA LUMPUR: The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Health will submit a memorandum regarding the cross-border haze issue to the Indonesian Embassy on Wednesday (Oct 21).
Its chairman, Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai), said that the haze issue poses problems for the country across various aspects, such as the environment, public health, citizen safety, the national economy and diplomatic relations between neighbouring countries.
"Tomorrow morning the select committee and its members will submit a memorandum to the Indonesian Embassy regarding this haze issue," he said while taking part in the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2027 at the policy stage in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 20).
Meanwhile, Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) urged the government to take firm action against local companies allegedly involved in forest fires in Indonesia that caused the cross-border haze.
He said this follows a recent Greenpeace report naming 20 companies believed to be involved, including a leading national plantation company through its subsidiary registered in the neighbouring country.
"KLCC has now become 'KL Cannot See' because of the haze. In previous Special Chamber debates, the ministry informed that there was no information regarding the involvement of local companies.
"However, through this Greenpeace report, it is proven that there are local subsidiaries involved. We hope the ministry will not sit idly by and will take serious follow-up steps," he said.
Khoo suggested that Malaysia follow the Singaporean government's firm action in issuing warning notices to 10 companies believed to have links to the forest fire incidents in Indonesia.
Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH-Sandakan) urged the government to provide a specific allocation for the long-term implementation of the trap-neuter-release (TNR) method to address the stray animals issue, thereby breaking the cycle of conflict between the public, local authorities and animal lovers following capture operations.
"When we lack a long-term system, every capture operation risks becoming a conflict, whether between animal lovers and the authorities or neighbour against neighbour. In the end, no one wins. Animals suffer, personnel are criticised and public trust is eroded," she said.
Wong said a continuous TNR programme could gradually and ethically reduce the stray animal population without having to wait for tragedies to repeat.
The issue of the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) was also raised during the debate, with Rodiyah Sapiee (GPS-Batang Sadong) asking the government to provide comprehensive insurance protection, including death and permanent disability compensation, as well as the welfare of health personnel involved in the FDS.
"I welcome the increase in the FDS health service incentive from RM30 to RM100. However, taking into account the risks faced by health personnel in the interior as well as lessons learned from the recent FDS helicopter crash incident, the government must ensure comprehensive protection," she said.
Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy (BN-Kalabakan) raised the issue that 36%, or 382 out of 1,055 medical officers offered permanent placements in Sabah and Sarawak this year, failed to report for duty and suggested that the government review the Regional Incentive Payment rate, which is currently set at RM360 per month.
"The rate should be reverted to a percentage-based calculation system of salary as before, or a reasonable minimum rate set for officers serving in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak.
"Additionally, a special quota of 30% for students from Sabah and Sarawak in medical fields at public universities should be established," he said. – Bernama
