7-11-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Malaysian Ministry of Environment has announced that the proposed Bill aimed at preventing transborder haze pollution will not proceed, citing difficulties in acquiring the necessary information for prosecution purposes. The annual occurrence of smoke, resulting from land-clearing fires for palm oil and pulp and paper plantations in Indonesia during the dry season, has consistently caused concern for public health across the region.
In a written response to parliament on Monday, the Malaysian Ministry of Environment stated that a diplomatic approach through negotiations would be a more effective way to collectively address haze issues that extend beyond national borders. The ministry highlighted that the enforcement of a transboundary haze pollution Bill would require clear evidence, supported by sufficient data such as location maps, coordinates, landowner information, and details of companies operating in the areas where fires originate. However, obtaining such information has proven challenging due to matters of confidentiality, security, and national sovereignty.
Last month, Malaysia called upon Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations to take action as air quality deteriorated throughout the country due to fires in Indonesia. The smog caused by these fires has had a significant impact on the well-being of the Malaysian population.
The decision to abandon the proposed Bill reflects the complexities involved in addressing transborder haze pollution and the need for a collaborative approach that respects the sovereignty and security concerns of each nation involved. Efforts to combat this environmental issue will now focus on diplomatic negotiations to find mutually beneficial solutions.
