Malaysian MPs to press Indonesia over recurring haze crisis
During the 2027 budget debate, MPs questioned the government's haze response and will hand a memo to the Indonesian embassy tomorrow.
In the Dewan Rakyat budget discussion, lawmakers asked what the government plans to do about the haze that has plagued Malaysia, with 30 locations reporting unhealthy API levels. Greenpeace Malaysia previously gave a memorandum to eight MPs, including Young Syefura, naming 20 firms linked to fire hotspots. Singapore has also issued notices to three more Indonesian companies under its transboundary haze law, bringing its total to ten. The Malaysian MPs intend to submit a formal memo to Indonesia's embassy the next day.
Why it matters
The haze threatens public health and strains regional relations, prompting coordinated diplomatic action.
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.
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