Malaysia pushes for permanent ASEAN haze task force amid worsening fires
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng called for a standing ASEAN task force and a year-round rescue unit to combat the transboundary haze, warning of legal action if Indonesia refuses cooperation.
In the Dewan Rakyat, Lim Guan Eng proposed establishing a permanent ASEAN task force to address the recurring transboundary haze, working alongside Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia, and supported by a dedicated rescue unit ready to act whenever forest fires break out. He warned that if Indonesia continues to reject the initiative over sovereignty concerns, Malaysia may pursue legal claims for compensation. Lim highlighted that this year's Indonesian fires have spread over 300,000 hectares, 70% larger than the previous year, and urged special financial assistance for gig-economy and e-hailing drivers forced to stop work due to unhealthy air.
Datuk Ali Biju called for the use of international legal mechanisms to hold commercial plantation firms accountable for open-burning practices, and suggested a formal complaint to Indonesia, stricter haze-pollution laws, and a disaster fund. He also warned that the haze could jeopardise the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, stressing the need for stronger enforcement against open burning.
Why it matters
The proposal seeks regional cooperation to curb haze that harms health, economies and upcoming international events.
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