KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has proposed an Asean mechanism to tackle transboundary haze caused by forest and land fires, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said the Indonesian government had deployed tens of thousands of personnel and various aerial assets to contain the increasingly worrying situation.
He said tackling such disasters was challenging, given the vast areas affected and unpredictable weather conditions.
"In the spirit of solidarity and close ties between neighbouring countries, Malaysia believes that cross-border challenges must be addressed with shared resolve and responsibility.
"We have proposed a cooperation mechanism at the Asean level to strengthen coordination, preparedness and collective action in addressing transboundary haze.
"Malaysia remains ready to assist Indonesia," he said in a Facebook post.
Anwar said the haze had affected Malaysians and forced school closures in several states and areas.
He said the safety and well-being of people across the region must remain a priority, adding that neighbouring countries should support one another during disasters.
Experts said the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution needs stronger political commitment, faster regional responses and greater accountability to break the cycle of recurring haze.
Indonesia has deployed a total of 2.4 tonnes of dry ice over South Sumatra in a two-day weather modification operation aimed at dispersing thick haze caused by forest and land fires.
In Kalimantan, prolonged forest and peatland fires have degraded air quality and caused acute water shortages due to dry weather.
Ongoing fires in the republic have shrouded parts of Southeast Asia in toxic haze, prompting its climate and fire monitor to issue the highest-level alert.
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