People's Assembly: Ministry of Diplomacy handles its special rivers in Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Oct: Malaysia uses a diplomatic and regional cooperation approach to tackle cross-border issues that also affect Sarawak.

Minister of Natural Resources and Natural Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said that Malaysia has put forward proposals by Science Diplomacy and the sustainable rice fund to strengthen implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Cross-border Rice Pollution (AATHP).

According to him, Science Diplomacy aims to expand the use of data, technology and scientific evidence in ASEAN policy development as well as decision-making processes related to dust prevention, monitoring and management.

"The first is related to science diplomacy, i.e. to expand the use of data, technology and scientific evidence in policy development as well as ASEAN decision-making processes regarding waste prevention, monitoring and management so that these studies can be made on a long-term basis.

"Secondly, we have also introduced the Sustainable Fuel Fund to create more sustainable and sustained funding sources to support fire prevention efforts as well as fuel management at regional level", he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said that when answering Grandpa Ir's additional questions. Yusuf Abd. Wahab (Sarawak Party-Tanjong Manis Meeting) on the recurring dust issue in Sarawak and Malaysia's new ASEAN-level initiative to tackle cross border dust.

Arthur in, meanwhile, said the two proposals are currently under review by the ASEAN Secretariat and Malaysia will continue discussions on them at the 21st Meeting of the Committee of the Conference of the Parties to the AATHP scheduled to take place in Vietnam this December.

He added that Malaysia will chair and host the 28th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) Meeting on cross-border dust pollution next year.

He said Malaysia will use the platform to strengthen spirit of solidarity andliabilitytogether among ASEAN member states in addressing cross-border issues.

"Our approach is clear that the issue of cross-border violence should be addressed through collective action and closer regional cooperation, not just pointing fingers or blaming any party.

"What is more important is that each member state fulfills its own responsibilities and jointly strengthens prevention, preparedness and early action", he said. -TVS