Experts urge haze law despite difficulty proving transboundary pollution cases

Legal specialists have dismissed assertions that difficulties in establishing proof should prevent Malaysia from developing specific anti-haze legislation, calling for urgent parliamentary action to address the recurring transboundary air pollution problem.

The experts contend that the absence of comprehensive domestic law targeting haze-causing activities leaves Malaysia inadequately equipped to tackle the issue, which regularly affects the region during dry seasons. They emphasize that other countries have successfully implemented targeted legislation despite similar evidentiary complexities.

A key recommendation involves establishing clearer legal frameworks to hold responsible parties accountable for pollution originating from neighbouring territories. Experts stress that Malaysia must simultaneously pursue enhanced diplomatic and technical cooperation with Indonesia, particularly in monitoring and verification mechanisms that could strengthen the chain of evidence linking pollution sources to specific incidents.

They argue that legislative gaps should not be used as justification for inaction, noting that proper legal instruments would actually facilitate more effective enforcement and provide better tools for cross-border coordination. The experts further suggest that dedicated haze laws could establish clearer standards, streamline investigation procedures, and create stronger deterrents against contributing activities.

The push for legislative action comes amid growing frustration over recurring haze episodes that impact air quality and public health across Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region.