Malaysia, Indonesia are continuing to coordinate their efforts.

KUCHING, Sept. 16: Malaysia will continue to coordinate with Indonesia in addressing cross-border dust issues by prioritizing early prevention measures.

Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said continued cooperation between the two countries is essential to effectively address cross-border issues.

According to him, Malaysia has previously implemented one or two cloud edging operations (OPA) for other countries on demand and permission.

"To other nations, on demand and truth. We have done one or two but long-term coordination will continue", he said.

He said this at a press conference after the Meeting of High Level Committee (HLC) Disaster Management Centre with Sarawak State Government in Wisma Bapa Malaysia, here today.

Zahid explained that the issue of dust was also among the issues to be discussed with Indonesian Vice President, Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

He said early prevention approaches should be given priority to prevent cross-border issues from becoming more sensitive between countries.

"We believe that prevention is better than cure. It means that we are taking early prevention measures and this is one of the most important steps as an ASEAN country", he said.

Meanwhile, he said ASEAN member states need to take proactive steps in addressing cross-border issues including floods, fires and dust.

"Proactive measures are mandatory for ASEAN member states, especially when it comes to floods, fires, riots with a neighboring country", he explained.

According to Zahid, in addition to technical efforts, a diplomatic approach is also important to ensure that cross-border issues can be addressed effectively.

"For me, diplomatic measures should be taken in addition to technical efforts between officials in neighbouring countries as well as states on the peninsula and states in Borneo", he said.

He said coordination between neighbouring countries should continue to ensure that prevention measures can be implemented early so as to reduce the risk of cross-border issues.