KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Malaysia has proposed upgrading the 2002 Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) to address the cross-border haze issue more comprehensively.
“We need to revisit the AATHP, as we know there are limitations in terms of the agreement. How can we take action when the haze originates from a neighbouring country? That might be one of the things that we have to look at,” said Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The AATHP is a legally binding environmental agreement signed in 2002 by Asean member states to reduce haze pollution in Southeast Asia.
He said Malaysia has written to Indonesia, proposing bilateral cooperation to address the transboundary haze issue.
Nik Nazmi was speaking to the press after a visit to the Jinjang Flood Retention Pond located near Sungai Batu today.
The minister added there has been talk of coming up with a Transboundary Haze Bill, but must be looked at in-depth as it is more complex.
“I understand the public concern, but drawing up an act that involves jurisdiction outside the country is quite challenging. That is the view of the AGC (Attorney-General’s Chambers).
“Singapore has such legislation, but they also find it challenging to take action,” he said.
— Bernama
