Baku:Malaysia and Indonesia have initiated discussions to collaborate on addressing forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, which have resulted in transboundary haze affecting the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan stated that the discussions include agencies and ministries from both countries, such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Foreign Ministry, and the National Security Council (MKN).

The talks, involving Malaysia's secretary-general Tan Sri Amran Mohamed Zin and representatives from MKN, NADMA, and Indonesian authorities, aim to develop a cooperative approach to manage the fires. This marks the first time both nations are engaging in dialogue to jointly tackle the haze, which is reportedly worsening.

The collaboration is considered an initial step toward finding joint solutions to the persistent issue of forest fires and haze, which has been affecting the region for more than a month, nearing two months. The haze poses a threat not only to Malaysia but also to the health of people in Indonesia and Singapore.

Mohamad Hasan also mentioned that the issue of transboundary haze would be addressed at an upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting, prior to the bloc's 49th Summit in Manila, to discuss regional mechanisms for effectively tackling the problem.