Greenpeace calls for action against Malaysian firms linked to haze

Greenpeace has escalated pressure on Malaysian authorities by lodging a formal memorandum detailing findings that implicate 20 companies in activities linked to fire hotspots across the Indonesian border.

The environmental organisation's submission highlights supply chain connections between Malaysian firms and sources of fire that have historically contributed to regional haze pollution. The memorandum represents part of broader efforts to hold corporations accountable for environmental damage stemming from land clearing and agricultural practices in Indonesia.

The move underscores growing scrutiny of Malaysian businesses' involvement in or benefit from activities driving deforestation and peatland degradation in neighbouring Indonesia. Companies sourcing commodities such as palm oil have faced repeated scrutiny over supply chain transparency and environmental safeguards.

Regional haze has emerged as a persistent environmental and public health challenge, with smoke from Indonesian fires regularly affecting air quality across Malaysia and Singapore. Environmental groups argue that stronger corporate accountability and enforcement mechanisms are essential to addressing root causes of transboundary pollution.

The memorandum's submission signals continuing pressure on both Malaysian and Indonesian governments to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations affecting cross-border fire prevention and forest conservation.