Summit needed to stop the fires
Stakeholders in Malaysia and Singapore are calling for an urgent summit with Indonesia to address the recurring issue of transboundary haze. They argue that current diplomatic approaches are insufficient and that stronger, legally binding measures are needed to hold plantation companies accountable.
Why it matters
The transboundary haze is a significant environmental and public health crisis in Southeast Asia that requires regional political cooperation to resolve.
PETALING JAYA: After decades of choking on transboundary haze, patience is wearing thin and stakeholders say it is time to stop tiptoeing around Jakarta’s sensitivities.
They want Malaysia and Singapore to meet Indonesia’s president to find a lasting solution.
“It is high time for the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore to meet with the Indonesian President to end the suffering of our people, including Indonesians,” said Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meena Raman.
Meena called for offending plantation companies to be publicly named, penalised, and held legally accountable for starting forest fires.
“Our right to clean air and health has been grossly violated. Firmer and urgent measures are needed to halt this crisis once and for all,” she said.
Climate Governance Malaysia chairman Dr Gary Theseira said an urgent summit involving the three countries would provide a platform for frank discussions on the challenges and potential solutions.
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