KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- A Member of Parliament drew the attention of Dewan Rakyat today by openly conveying a message to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding the issue of transboundary haze by delivering part of it in the Javanese language.
While debating the Supply (Budget) Bill 2027 in Dewan Rakyat, Kalam Salan (PN-Sabak Bernam) urged President Prabowo to take immediate action to seriously address the recurring annual haze problem caused by forest and peatland fires in Indonesia.
“Pak Prabowo, please take immediate action, extinguish the fires, put an end to the burning, and ensure that this problem does not recur every year. We want clear skies, clean air, and for the people of both nations to live healthy, peaceful lives,” he said.
He then translated the message into Javanese, directing his plea straight to Prabowo, urging for an urgent resolution to the haze issue that affects the populations of both countries.
“Let us not turn this issue into a joke such as the claim that Indonesia’s forests have supposedly been providing oxygen to Malaysia all this time. Are the trees in Malaysia made of plastic, incapable of producing oxygen?” he questioned.
Kalam noted that the haze not only impacts the health of Malaysians, causing respiratory issues, coughing, and asthma but also disrupts school operations, the tourism sector, and economic activities, including plantation work and fishing.
He further suggested that the government utilised diplomatic channels to urge the Philippines as the 2026 ASEAN Chair to spearhead more robust regional action. This includes strengthening joint enforcement, establishing an early-warning system based on satellite monitoring, and forming a regional emergency response team.
Other proposals include strengthening the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution through more effective accountability mechanisms, as well as establishing a regional fund for fire prevention, peatland restoration, and assistance to affected communities.
Meanwhile, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (GPS-Batang Lupar) said Malaysia must remain consistent in exerting diplomatic pressure through regional mechanisms and demand greater accountability from those responsible for the forest fires that cause transboundary haze.
“Singapore, for instance, has issued preventive measure notices under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to 10 companies in Indonesia suspected of being involved in burning activities that have led to the haze.
“My question is: does Malaysia have similar legal provisions? Will the government take legal action, as Singapore has done?” he asked, emphasising that environmental sustainability and the well-being of the Malaysian people must not be compromised.
-- BERNAMA