Transboundary Haze: Malaysia ready to extend assistance to Indonesia, proposes ASEAN-level mechanism, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed concern over ongoing forest and land fires in neighboring Indonesia, which have generated transboundary haze affecting public health and forcing school closures across several states in Malaysia.
In an official statement published on his Facebook, Anwar acknowledged the extensive containment measures deployed by Jakarta while reiterating Malaysia’s readiness to render firefighting and technical support.
“I closely follow the development of forest and land fires in Indonesia, which have also caused wildfires across borders, affecting the health and lives of Malaysians, including forcing school closures in several states and areas,” Anwar said.
Acknowledging Indonesian firefighting efforts
The Prime Minister commended the Indonesian government for its large-scale response to the environmental disaster, noting that combating vast peatland and forest blazes remains a complex undertaking under erratic weather conditions.
“I appreciate the seriousness of the Indonesian government, which has mobilized tens of thousands of members and various air assets to address this increasingly worrying issue,” Anwar stated. “We are aware that dealing with such disasters is not an easy task, especially with the vastness of the affected areas and the unpredictable weather conditions.”
Proposal for ASEAN regional mechanism
Underlining the need for regional solidarity and structured disaster mitigation, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s proposal to establish a formalized ASEAN-level cooperation framework to address cross-border environmental hazards.
“In the spirit of unity and close relations among neighboring countries, Malaysia believes that border-crossing challenges must be addressed with determination and shared responsibility,” he remarked. “In fact, we have already proposed a cooperation mechanism at the ASEAN level to strengthen coordination, preparedness, and collective action in dealing with border-crossing wildfires.”
He emphasized that Malaysia remains committed to assisting its neighbor, prioritizing regional public safety and health.
“Malaysia remains ready to extend assistance as has been offered before. The true spirit of neighborhood solidarity demands that we support each other when facing disasters, with the safety and well-being of the people of the region always being a priority,” Anwar concluded.
— The Malaysia Times
