Malaysia Reaffirms Aid Offer to Indonesia Amid Ongoing Transboundary Haze Crisis
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia will keep its pledge to help Indonesia combat the haze, noting recent cabinet discussions.
Malaysia reiterated its commitment to assist Indonesia in tackling the persistent transboundary haze, a stance reiterated by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi following a recent cabinet meeting. He noted that Indonesia has mobilised more than 16,000 staff, aircraft and firefighting helicopters, yet aerial operations are hampered by low visibility and a shortage of suitable cloud formations for seeding. Zahid expressed empathy for Indonesia's situation while urging a swift resolution, citing adverse health effects on Malaysians, especially those with allergy-related conditions.
The remarks came after he presided over the Bagan Datuk 2026 Sultan Nazrin Shah Bridge Run, which saw 1,700 local and international runners, with the 5km race drawing the largest crowd. Zahid also mentioned plans to expand the event to a full marathon next year, hoping for better weather. Bilateral communication at the highest level has already been initiated to coordinate response measures.
Why it matters
The haze affects air quality and public health across borders, prompting regional cooperation.
How this story developed
- Sep 28 Civil groups sue Indonesian government over West Kalimantan fire negligence
- Oct 1 President Prabowo Subianto has named Arrmanatha Nasir, known as Tata, to replace Sugiono as foreign minister amid a broader cabinet reshuffle.
- Oct 4 Arrmanatha Nasir was sworn in as foreign minister.
- Oct 8 Prime Minister Anwar said the worsening haze is a serious health risk and has asked President Prabowo to take action, while Malaysia ramps up cloud seeding.
- Oct 10 The class‑action suit moved to a hearing in Pontianak, where no defendants were present.
- Oct 15 The government, led by Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu, is gathering evidence and keeping legal options open as PSI levels in western Singapore entered the very unhealthy range. The 2014 law allows fines up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million, for companies whose fires produce prolonged haze. Enforcement has been challenging, with limited data from Indonesian authorities and four firms still under investigation. Fu also urged Indonesia to curb the fires and called for ASEAN cooperation.
- Oct 16 President Prabowo appointed army general Kristomei Sianturi to lead BNPB.
- Oct 16 Indonesia formally accepted regional assistance and technical talks on its implementation are underway.
- Oct 16 Legal notices were served on seven Indonesian firms for their role in the haze.
- Oct 19 Student Alliance of Gadjah Mada University addressed ASEAN Secretary‑General urging scrutiny of Indonesia’s compliance and acceptance of regional firefighting support.
- Oct 19 Malaysia specified that it will provide three helicopters and 52 firefighters to support Indonesia’s fire‑fighting efforts.
- Oct 20 Indonesia’s BNPB and army chief launched a joint firefighting push in Central Kalimantan.
- Oct 22 President Prabowo publicly blamed corporations and pledged to identify them.
- Oct 23 Malaysia said it will raise the haze issue with Indonesia at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
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