Kuala lumpur: ASEAN needs to review the existing mechanisms in dealing with the issue of transboundary haze to avoid adverse impacts on the people's health, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He emphasized the necessity for ASEAN ministers to focus on the matter as the haze can directly impact the health and lives of the people, especially children and babies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar, also serving as the Minister of Finance, addressed the media after a meeting with the staff of the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities. Anwar highlighted the situation in Serian, where air quality deteriorated to hazardous levels, recording an Air Pollutant Index (API) reading of 302. The hazardous air pollution led to a haze emergency declaration by Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, last Friday, which has since been lifted.

The Prime Minister stressed that the issue of open burning in Indonesia needs careful investigation. He called for identifying the real cause of the fires before making any accusations. Anwar also indicated Malaysia's respect for any legal actions taken by Indonesian authorities against Malaysian companies involved in the haze, stating that his country would not protect any company found responsible for violations.

The ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) have declared the transboundary haze crisis a human rights emergency. They urge ASEAN and its member states to address the problem urgently and use the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in Da Nang, Vietnam, as an opportunity to improve enforcement.

APHR has recommended developing a regional legal framework to hold corporate entities accountable for forest fires linked to peatland drainage and deforestation. They also suggest mandating plantation companies to disclose concession maps for greater transparency and improving traceability in supply chains to mitigate deforestation and haze risks. Lastly, APHR emphasized the need for a standardized air quality indicator for all ASEAN member states to monitor and act on air pollution consistently.