KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prepared to examine the need for a special environmental recovery fund to support post-haze rehabilitation efforts, including suitable financing mechanisms, says Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic).
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said the proposal would require further discussions with relevant ministries and agencies, taking into account existing assistance mechanisms, actual needs and the government's financial implications.
"The government is prepared to examine the need for a special post-haze environmental recovery fund and appropriate financing mechanisms," he said in a written parliamentary reply on Monday (Nov 2).
He was responding to Dr Ahmad Fakhruddin Fakhrurazi (PN-Kuala Kedah), who asked about Malaysia's long-term preparedness for transboundary haze, the proposed recovery fund and efforts to strengthen early warning systems in high-risk areas.
Arthur said haze-related financing should not be confined to rehabilitation after incidents but should cover the entire risk management cycle.
“This includes prevention, monitoring technology, peatland management, early firefighting, research and restoration of affected areas.
“At the regional level, Malaysia also supports strengthening the Asean Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Fund, including expanding its funding sources and scope to cover scientific research, capacity building, firefighting innovation and science diplomacy,” he added.
He said Malaysia had presented its Science Diplomacy and Sustainable Haze Fund proposal during the 27th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee meeting on transboundary haze pollution in Bali, Indonesia, in July.
According to him, the proposal, currently under review by the Asean Secretariat, seeks to strengthen science-based policymaking and secure sustainable financing for regional haze prevention.
“Further discussions are scheduled during Asean meetings in Vietnam in December.”
Meanwhile, Arthur said the Department of Environment continuously monitors air quality through 68 automated monitoring stations nationwide, allowing pollution levels to be detected early.
He said the Malaysian Meteorological Department also operates a Fire Danger Rating System capable of forecasting forest and peatland fire risks up to seven days ahead.
“Its Malaysian Community Multiscale Air Quality Model (MyCMAQ), launched on March 31, provides forecasts of potential air pollution and haze episodes up to five days in advance.”
He said integrating these systems would help authorities coordinate preventive measures, enforcement and public health advisories.
“Malaysia's long-term preparedness measures are also aligned with Asean's target of becoming haze-free by 2030, which focuses on significantly reducing recurring transboundary haze episodes,” he said.
