Putrajaya open to exploring compensation claims over haze, says minister

The government is open to examining international legal mechanisms that would allow the consideration of claims for compensation and damages arising from transboundary haze, says natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He said the Asean agreement on transboundary haze pollution does not currently provide a specific mechanism for international compensation claims.

“However, the government is open to examining the suitability of other legal mechanisms under international law,” he said when winding up the debate on the 2027 budget for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Kurup said a thorough study of the haze’s effects on public health, productivity and economic activities was important as a basis for determining further action.

On Oct 15, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng suggested setting up a permanent Asean task force to tackle transboundary haze, in cooperation with Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia.

He said the task force should be supported by a year-round rescue team ready to respond immediately when forest fires occur.

Lim said the current crisis was driven by increasingly severe forest and land fires, with the affected area in Indonesia reaching 300,000ha this year, 70% more than in 2023.

Kurup said proposals for financial aid for affected Malaysians, especially gig workers, as well as the establishment of a haze fund, required further examination by the ministry and related agencies.

He said the proposals would need to take into account the aid currently available to citizens, the needs of those affected and the financial implications for the government.

Kurup said the government would continue to strengthen enforcement cooperation through bilateral channels and Asean, and ensure that parties proven responsible for pollution face legal action.

“The government is examining appropriate mechanisms to protect the interests of affected citizens and strengthen the principle that polluters should bear responsibility,” he said.