Malaysian MPs seek ASEAN haze task force and compensation measures
Proposals in Parliament included a permanent rescue team, financial aid for affected workers and a disaster fund.
Malaysia should establish a permanent ASEAN task force to address cross-border haze, Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng told Parliament on October 16. He proposed cooperation with Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia, backed by a rescue team able to respond to forest fires throughout the year.
Speaking during policy-stage deliberations on the Supply Bill 2027, Lim said Malaysia would have to pursue legal compensation if Indonesia continued to reject the proposed task force on sovereignty grounds. He attributed the haze crisis to worsening Indonesian forest and land fires, claiming the affected area had reached 300,000 hectares in 2026, 70 per cent more than in 2023.
Lim also sought special financial support for people affected by unhealthy air, particularly gig workers and e-hailing drivers forced to suspend work.
In the same debate, Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju urged Malaysia to examine international legal avenues for compensation from those responsible, including commercial plantation operators involved in open burning. He also proposed a formal complaint to Indonesia, stronger cross-border haze legislation, tougher enforcement against open burning and a disaster fund.
Ali said recurring haze harmed health, tourism, businesses and transport, as well as international sporting events. He warned of possible disruption to the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak, scheduled for September, when he said haze usually occurs.
