Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must take immediate preventive measures to prepare for a potential transboundary haze crisis following the return of unhealthy air quality in several regions, says Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee emphasized that the deteriorating air quality in parts of Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia should serve as an early warning for the government to adopt a proactive rather than reactive approach. He noted that Malaysia has repeatedly faced this issue in the past and should not be caught unprepared again. The current situation in Sarawak is of particular concern due to prolonged hot and dry weather conditions that facilitate the rapid spread of fires and cross-border smoke travel.
Earlier today, six schools in Tebedu, Sarawak, were ordered to close after the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading in the area exceeded 200. To mitigate the risk, Lee proposed a five-point strategy, beginning with the full activation of the National Haze Action Plan whenever early warning indicators show rising risks. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the monitoring of hotspots, fire-prone areas, wind direction, and air quality to enable preemptive action.
Lee also called on Malaysia to enhance engagement with Indonesia and other regional neighbors under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, ratified by all member states in 2015. He stressed the need for stronger implementation and faster action on the ground, while advocating for stronger regional accountability due to the public health, economic, and social crises caused by transboundary haze, including respiratory problems, school disruptions, and increased healthcare costs.
Moreover, Lee reminded the authorities not to overlook local contributors, such as illegal open burning, peat fires, agricultural land clearing, and poorly managed land clearing within Malaysia. He emphasized the necessity of addressing domestic issues while urging neighboring countries to do the same.
Finally, Lee called for enhanced public preparedness by ensuring that schools, hospitals, and workplaces have clear protocols in place and that the public receives timely, accurate information on air quality. He urged a change in mindset, stating that haze should no longer be treated as an annual seasonal inconvenience but as a recurring regional disaster risk that requires year-round prevention, preparedness, and cooperation. Lee further encouraged authorities to fully utilize ASEAN's early-warning system and act on indicators immediately, underscoring that prevention is far cheaper than dealing with the consequences once the skies turn grey.