Kuala Lumpur:Media practitioners are being urged to report accurately, fairly, and responsibly on the issue of transboundary haze, avoiding narratives that blame an entire country's population, according to Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI) Malaysia acting president Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zaini emphasized that the longstanding ties between Malaysia and Indonesia should provide a robust platform for open and mature discussions on the haze issue, while prioritizing the public's right to clean air. He stated that haze impacts not only the environment but also public health and regional cooperation, necessitating comprehensive solutions beyond emergency measures.

Ahmad Zaini underscored the importance of safeguarding public health by monitoring air quality, issuing accurate health advisories, and implementing protective measures for vulnerable groups. He advised the public to monitor Air Pollutant Index (API) readings and follow official guidelines.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen prevention and enforcement measures in Indonesia through enhanced firefighting operations, prevention of open burning, and strict action against violators. Furthermore, Ahmad Zaini advocated for improved bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, including hotspot data sharing, smoke movement monitoring, and technical firefighting assistance when needed.

At a regional level, he called for ASEAN to reinforce its commitment to prevention, preparedness, and emergency response, aiming for a haze-free region.