Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim ought to provide a clear explanation on his government’s inconsistent handling of Indonesia's forest fires and transboundary haze rather than informing that his government has “done everything we can (15 Oct)” only for the Foreign Minister to inform “talks ongoing (18 Oct)” while the haze crisis drags on without any concrete outcome.
Malaysia offered firefighting assistance in September, and Indonesia reportedly gave the green light on Sept19. Yet, on Sept 30, Malaysia was still awaiting a formal response through diplomatic channels. On Oct8, Anwar was again discussing the issue with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Why has this process prolonged?
Japan, despite having neither any land nor maritime border with Indonesia, deployed three CH-47 Chinook helicopters and completed its aerial firefighting mission on Sept 29. If Japan could mobilise assistance and finish its mission, why has neighbouring Malaysia struggled to turn its offer into tangible action?
Anwar also needs to explain the apparent contradiction between the government's position on plantation companies and the findings of environmental investigators.
On Oct 16, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said government checks found the fires outside Malaysian plantation companies' concessions. Yet Greenpeace's October 2026 findings identified a Malaysian public listed company among 20 entities linked to fire locations in Indonesia. This does not prove deliberate burning, but it warrants transparent investigation.
In 2019, Indonesian authorities publicly identified four Malaysian-linked companies.
Will Anwar's government investigate every company equally, or are politically and economically influential conglomerates being given preferential treatment? Is the government protecting any Malaysian corporate interests at the expense of public health?
Malaysia can consider emulating Singapore, which issued preventive notices to seven companies under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Our authorities could investigate companies and joint ventures registered in Malaysia under existing environmental laws. If our laws are inadequate, Parliament needs to enact legislation enabling effective action against cross-border environmental harm.
Indonesia too, needs to hold responsible companies accountable, including through concession land seizure where legally justified. Diplomatic niceties cannot take precedence over public health and environmental protection.
Tan Gim Tuan
MCA urban affairs bureau chairman
Selangor MCA state liaison committee deputy chairman
