{"id":62150,"date":"2025-07-21T09:52:06","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T01:52:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/malaysia\/?p=62150"},"modified":"2025-07-31T10:12:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T02:12:57","slug":"lead-asean-against-transboundary-haze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/malaysia\/press\/62150\/lead-asean-against-transboundary-haze\/","title":{"rendered":"Lead ASEAN against transboundary haze"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Transboundary haze: An opportunity for Malaysia to lead responsible plantation practices in ASEAN<\/h2>\n\n
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Muat Turun surat kepada YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Open Letter to YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani,

Congratulations on your new role as the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister. With this new role comes a profound responsibility, this is a rare opportunity to shape a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Malaysia and our ASEAN neighbors.

One of the most urgent challenges facing our region is the recurring transboundary haze, a crisis that has plagued Southeast Asia for decades. It is more than just a seasonal inconvenience; it is a public health emergency, an economic burden, and an environmental disaster. Recently, several states in Peninsular Malaysia have again been affected by transboundary haze<\/a>, underscoring the need for decisive action.<\/p>\n\n

Why the Haze Crisis Needs Immediate Action<\/h3>\n\n

History has shown the devastating impact of haze. <\/strong>Millions of Malaysians, Singaporeans, and Indonesians have been forced to breathe toxic air. Schools close, children miss classes, tourism stalls, respiratory illnesses surge, flights are canceled, and businesses slow down. Farmers and fishermen lose their livelihoods, while healthcare systems struggle.

The root cause is well known\u2014 Peatland degradation and slash-and-burn land clearing in Sumatra and Kalimantan, driven largely by palm oil and pulpwood plantation expansion. This issue is complex because it transcends national borders. No single country can solve it alone.

As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, our leadership on sustainability and transboundary challenges will come under the spotlight. If haze returns, it will undermine Malaysia\u2019s credibility at a time when we should be showcasing regional leadership on climate action and responsible business practices.<\/p>\n\n

Malaysia\u2019s Opportunity to Lead<\/h3>\n\n

1. Driving Responsible Business Practices<\/h4>\n\n

The haze is also a business and governance issue. The Indonesian and Malaysian plantation industries are deeply intertwined. Some plantation companies, including those with Malaysian ties operating in Indonesia, have been linked to unsustainable practices.

This is an opportunity for Malaysia\u2019s plantation sector to prove that they will no longer tolerate deforestation or peatland destruction. Otherwise, Malaysian-owned companies in Indonesia risk being shamed for contributing to haze, as happened during the 2015 and 2019<\/a>.

Most importantly, the way to restore the plantation sector\u2019s reputation is to stop companies destroying peatlands that increase peat fires and transboundary haze. Malaysian companies should prove that they are not involved. This approach will not only improve air quality, in fact, stronger measures will help Malaysia to stand out as ethical and sustainable leaders in the global market.<\/p>\n\n

2. Enact a law to address transboundary haze<\/h4>\n\n

As recommended by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) in its Right to Clean Air<\/em> report<\/a>, Malaysia should enact a comprehensive Clean Air Act that specifically addresses transboundary air pollution. Such a law would:<\/p>\n\n