DPM: Malaysia prioritises diplomacy over compensation in tackling transboundary haze

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By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 16: Malaysia is prioritising long-term diplomatic cooperation and proactive preventive measures, rather than pursuing compensation from neighbouring countries, in addressing the recurring issue of transboundary haze, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the National Disaster Management Committee, said a prudent and structured diplomatic approach remains the most effective way to manage sensitive issues among ASEAN member states while ensuring close technical coordination.

“Seeking compensation does not necessarily mean that liability has been conclusively established against any particular country. However, by taking preventive measures early, we can avoid having to deal with such sensitive inter-state issues altogether.

“Diplomatic engagement must go hand in hand with technical cooperation involving officials from neighbouring countries and Malaysian states,” he told a press conference after chairing the First National Disaster Management High-Level Committee (HLC) Meeting of 2026 at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.

He was responding to a question on whether Malaysia planned to raise with Indonesia the issue of losses suffered by the country, particularly in the economy, public health and tourism sectors, as a result of transboundary haze.

Also present were Deputy Premier and Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the transboundary haze issue would be among the matters raised during his working visit to Jakarta from tomorrow until Sept 20 in conjunction with the Halal-20 Conference: 5th World Halal Summit 2026 (H20 Summit).

“The transboundary haze issue is among the topics that will be discussed with Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and relevant authorities responsible for natural resources and environmental sustainability.

“There will be discussions involving seven ministers covering various areas, including the halal industry and other sectors.

“One of the key issues I will coordinate and discuss with Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka is the haze problem,” he said.

On Malaysia’s readiness to assist neighbouring countries, Ahmad Zahid said the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) had been directed to stand by to coordinate cloud seeding operations and provide logistical support to help combat forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, should an official request be made by the relevant authorities.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Ahmad Zahid said the government is adopting a more anticipatory approach to mitigate the risks posed by extreme hot and dry weather associated with a potential Super El Niño.

The measures include intensified hotspot monitoring, ensuring the readiness of firefighting assets, strengthening peatland management, enforcing laws against open burning, and enhancing public awareness on health risks.

“The Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) and the Department of Environment (DOE) have been tasked with assessing the use of tube wells as an alternative water source, including upgrading existing infrastructure in high-risk areas,” he said.

The statement added that the National Disaster Management Council (MPBN) had approved a total allocation of RM5 million this year for cloud seeding operations and related management efforts. The allocation comprises RM2 million for Phase One, approved on June 2, and RM3 million for Phase Two, approved on Sept 2. — Bernama

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