Malaysian Parliament Approves Special Debate on Haze as National Crisis

During an afternoon sitting, the Dewan Rakyat approved a motion introduced by MP Khoo Poay Tiong to debate the persistent haze as a national emergency. Deputy Speaker Ramli Mohd Nor stated the proposal satisfied the required conditions of specificity, public interest and urgency, allowing the special session to proceed. Khoo highlighted that the haze, originating from forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, has raised air-pollution index readings to unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous levels across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

He warned that prolonged exposure could increase respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, strain the health system, and undermine productivity, the economy and food security. The motion calls for stricter enforcement, stronger legal measures and improved national preparedness to combat future haze events.