ASEAN Urged to Strengthen Preparedness for Cross‑Border Haze
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has called for collective action by all ASEAN member states to enhance preparedness in addressing the risk of cross‑border haze through prevention, national preparedness and continuous monitoring based on the principles of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Arthur Joseph Kurup, said all member states need to improve control and preparedness by maintaining close monitoring in high‑risk areas, enhancing hotspot surveillance, strengthening enforcement against open burning prohibitions, and ensuring preparedness for efficient firefighting operations.
He said, this stance was conveyed through an official letter to ASEAN Secretary‑General Dr Kao Kim Hourn, yesterday.
Arthur said, although the fires currently remain contained within the borders of each member state, the risk of cross‑border haze demands collective preparedness and a high level of vigilance at the regional level.
“The implementation of early intervention, accurate information exchange and close regional coordination are fundamental elements in addressing the haze issue effectively,” he said in a statement today.
He said, monitoring of current weather developments found that persistent dry conditions in the southern region of the ASEAN region have resulted in an increase in hotspot activities and haze.
“This situation risks becoming more widespread due to the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to gradually strengthen over the coming months,” he said.
Arthur said, Malaysia also welcomes the proactive role of the ASEAN Secretariat as the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) in facilitating information dissemination, coordinating preparedness measures among member states and strengthening cooperation mechanisms under the AATHP.
“Malaysia is confident that the solid commitment and proactive actions of all ASEAN member states will strengthen regional resilience in facing climate challenges, thereby preserving a sustainable, prosperous and haze‑free environment for the well‑being of present and future generations,” he said.
BERNAMA