MP urges Malaysia to adopt Singapore-style haze legislation and subsidise air purifiers
MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid called for a cross-border haze law modeled on Singapore and for government subsidies for air-purifiers for vulnerable households.
In the Dewan Rakyat, MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid urged the Malaysian government to pass a cross-border haze law, citing Singapore's successful action against seven companies under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. She noted that over a third of the 68 Department of Environment stations reported unhealthy air quality, with Pasir Gudang reaching an API of 176, and daily economic losses estimated between RM20 million and RM50 million.
Syerleena condemned remarks by an Indonesian communications agency chief that downplayed the haze, calling them arrogant. She called for authorities to share hotspot data, pursue responsible companies, and acknowledge any shortcomings. Additionally, she proposed full subsidies for air purifiers for B40 households with young children, seniors, disabled persons or respiratory patients, and rebates for M40 households, emphasizing that clean air should be accessible to all.
