Haze: Name Malaysian firms linked to Indonesia fires

JOHOR BARU: Indonesian authorities should name the Malaysian companies allegedly linked to open burning in the country and make their investigation findings public, said Andrew Chen Kah Eng.

The Stulang assemblyman said companies found to be involved in open burning should not escape accountability simply because the fires occurred outside Malaysia.

"If Malaysian companies are involved, the Indonesian authorities should disclose the companies concerned and ensure the findings of their investigations are made transparently, subject to due legal process," he said in a statement today.

His call came amid worsening haze conditions in parts of Malaysia, particularly Johor, where several areas have recorded unhealthy air quality.

Andrew said he had received almost daily complaints from elderly residents in his constituency, particularly over breathing difficulties and discomfort caused by the haze.

"This is not merely an environmental issue, but also a public health issue," he said.

He condemned open burning and slash-and-burn practices by plantation companies and smallholders to clear forests and carbon-rich peatland for palm oil and pulp production, regardless of the companies' country of origin or where the burning occurred.

Such fires, he said, destroyed ecosystems, released large amounts of carbon and generated pollution that could travel across national borders.

He said Indonesian authorities had in August accused Malaysian companies of involvement in open burning in Indonesia.

He said any Malaysian company found to have contributed to transboundary haze should face accountability through the appropriate legal process.

"Malaysian companies should not be exempt from accountability simply because the fires occurred outside Malaysia," he said.

Andrew also called on the federal government to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms to deal with transboundary haze, including considering a cross-border haze act.

He said such legislation could provide a clearer framework for federal and state authorities to take action against parties responsible for haze pollution affecting Malaysians.

Chen also urged Malaysians to avoid open burning and activities that could worsen the haze.

"Protecting clean air and public health is a shared responsibility," he said.