KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution must be further discussed and fully implemented, with stronger commitments and concrete action to tackle recurring haze, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said Malaysia should push for more effective regional cooperation, including joint investigations, transparent sharing of hotspot and fire data, and measurable targets to reduce land and forest fires.
He said he had proposed several measures to address the haze problem in a sustainable manner, including expediting a comprehensive Clean Air Act, strengthening enforcement against open burning and improving public health preparedness.
“Regional cooperation must move beyond statements of concern to concrete action, clear responsibilities and regular assessments of progress,” he said when contacted on Tuesday (Oct 27).
Lee said the recent improvement in air quality following a change in monsoon winds should not lead to complacency, as the respite might only be temporary.
He said the recent haze episode, which severely affected parts of the country, including Sarawak, should serve as a warning of the consequences of allowing air pollution to reach hazardous levels.
“The haze emergency in Serian has demonstrated how serious the consequences can become when air pollution reaches hazardous levels,” he said.
Lee also noted that the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre had warned of continuing regional haze risks amid drier conditions and strengthening El Niño conditions.
He said Malaysia should use its regional haze cooperation leadership role in 2027 to push for stronger commitments from Asean member states and ensure that existing agreements translated into effective action.
On domestic measures, Lee called for the Government to accelerate efforts to introduce a comprehensive Clean Air Act, with input from environmental experts, public health specialists, legal practitioners, industry representatives and civil society.
He said the legislation should establish clear air quality standards, strengthen pollution monitoring, ensure transparent reporting, improve enforcement and impose meaningful penalties for serious violations.
The government should also examine a specific legal framework to address transboundary haze pollution, including mechanisms to identify responsible parties and pursue appropriate legal action, he added.
Lee said prevention efforts must begin before the dry season, with stronger surveillance of fire-prone forests and peatlands, improved early-warning systems and better firefighting preparedness.
Plantation companies and other land operators must also practise responsible land management, while enforcement action against those found violating environmental laws should be firm and consistent, regardless of their size or influence.
He added that sustainable land-clearing methods and alternatives to open burning should be promoted, with technical assistance provided where necessary.
Lee also called for environmental responsibility to be shared by the Government, businesses and the public, stressing that environmental sustainability must be integrated into national development planning, corporate governance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.
On public health, he urged the authorities to provide timely and reliable Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, health advisories and clear guidance for schools, workplaces and vulnerable groups, including children, senior citizens and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
He said the Government should establish clear targets and timelines, with annual public reporting on efforts to prevent open burning, reduce fire hotspots, improve air quality and strengthen enforcement.
“The recent improvement in air quality should give us the opportunity to act while the immediate pressure has eased. It must not become an excuse for complacency.
“Clean air is not a seasonal privilege. It is essential to public health, environmental sustainability and the quality of life of every Malaysian,” he said.
Lee said Malaysia must seize the opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and address the haze problem at its source, rather than relying on temporary relief whenever weather conditions improve.
“The time to act decisively is now, before the next haze season returns,” he added.
