Kuala Lumpur:Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng has proposed the creation of a permanent ASEAN task force to combat the ongoing transboundary haze crisis, involving cooperation with Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lim suggested that this task force should be backed by a year-round rescue team ready to respond quickly to forest fires. He emphasized that if Indonesia remains resistant to the task force due to sovereignty issues, Malaysia might need to pursue legal action for compensation.

Lim highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that forest and land fires have become increasingly severe, with 300,000 hectares affected in Indonesia this year—a 70 percent increase from 2023. He also called on the government to offer financial aid to those impacted by the haze, particularly gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers who have had to cease work due to poor air quality.

During the debate, Datuk Ali Biju (PN-Saratok) emphasized the need for Malaysia to explore international legal avenues to seek reparations from those responsible for the haze, including commercial plantations involved in open burning. He noted that the haze not only affects health but also disrupts tourism, business, transport, and international sports events in the ASEAN region.

Ali expressed concerns about potential disruptions to the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak due to the haze, as it typically occurs during September. He described the haze as a predictable, man-made disaster and urged the government to formally complain to Indonesia, enhance laws on transboundary haze pollution, and consider establishing a disaster fund for affected individuals. He also called for stricter enforcement against open burning practices.

The Dewan Rakyat session is set to continue on Monday.