Despite schools and airports having to shut down due to hazardous regional haze conditions, the Malaysian government has deemed it not yet appropriate to take legal action against companies whose activities have contributed to forest burnings.
National Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Hamim Samuri said Putrajaya’s focus is now on finalising the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian and Indonesian governments on a haze prevention programme.
“Malaysia is not yet at the level to sue but my ministry will continue to monitor from the international laws aspect in regards to this haze pollution problem,” he told Utusan Malaysia.
Malaysia’s approach to the problem differs from that of neighbouring Singapore, who last Friday announced that it would serve four Indonesian companies “preventtive measure notices” for their contribution to the haze enveloping the region, which has severely affected the air quality of the island republic.
In Malaysia, Malacca, Sarawak, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Selangor and Putrajaya are all still experiencing unhealthy Air Pollution Index (API) readings, with schools throughout the country being forced to close, and airports either delaying or cancelling flights.
