Malaysia to Press Indonesia for Action on Transboundary Haze at ASEAN Meeting
Malaysia will ask Indonesia to take effective steps against fires causing haze when the issue is raised at the upcoming ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila.
Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup announced that the government will formally request Indonesia to intensify fire-fighting efforts and hold perpetrators accountable when the transboundary haze issue is tabled at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Manila next month. While emphasizing respect for bilateral relations, Kurup said Malaysia has the right to demand actions that protect public health.
The cabinet has instructed the foreign ministry to bring the concern to the ASEAN platform, where consensus-based decision-making will apply. Malaysia has also put forward ideas for science-based diplomacy and a sustainable haze fund under ASEAN mechanisms, and plans to host a sub-regional steering committee on haze next year. Preventive steps already taken include activating the National Open Burning Action Plan and convening a national haze committee, though results have fallen short of public expectations. Recent satellite data showed hotspots in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan, with smoke reaching Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Singapore, while a strong El Niño is forecast to persist.
Why it matters
The haze threatens health and economies across Malaysia, Singapore and nearby regions, making regional cooperation essential.
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.
In this story
Related stories
26 in this thread