Accra:Malaysia has decided not to pursue legal action or issue a diplomatic note regarding the ongoing haze issue with Indonesia. Instead, the country will continue to use diplomatic channels and ASEAN mechanisms to address the transboundary haze problem through a phased approach. This strategy prioritizes the interests and health of its citizens while maintaining bilateral relations, as stated by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad Hasan emphasized the importance of discussions between leaders and regional channels over legal enforcement measures or diplomatic notes when dealing with sensitive issues involving neighboring countries. He mentioned that reaching the stage of legal action would imply a readiness to sever relations, which Malaysia has not reached.
The Foreign Minister assured that Malaysia is actively seeking a comprehensive regional solution to the haze issue and is prepared to assist Indonesia in combating the fires causing it. He noted that a coordination meeting is planned to discuss how Malaysia can provide aid, acknowledging Indonesia's ongoing efforts to extinguish the fires despite the challenges.
Mohamad highlighted that even international assistance, such as from a Japanese team, has faced difficulties due to the challenging conditions at the fire sites. The thick haze has also grounded Malaysian helicopters due to poor visibility, which poses a significant risk to flying.
In response to the haze situation, Malaysia plans to submit a non-paper at the upcoming ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting and ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. This initiative aims to bolster regional mechanisms for addressing transboundary haze and integrate it within the natural disasters framework, enhancing ASEAN's collective response and cooperation.
The media had previously reported that Malaysia intends to raise the haze issue at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting ahead of the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, the Philippines, next month. The goal is to discuss more effective regional mechanisms to tackle the problem.