Johor leader urges Asean talks as regional haze reaches hazardous levels

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has appealed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to convene urgent talks aimed at addressing the deteriorating air quality affecting multiple countries in the region. The call comes as haze levels in Johor and surrounding areas have climbed to unhealthy thresholds, prompting concern among state officials and the public alike.

The transboundary pollution, which typically originates from land-clearing activities in neighbouring regions, has become an annual challenge for Malaysian states, particularly those in the peninsula's eastern and southern areas. Authorities have attributed the haze to a combination of regional factors beyond Malaysia's immediate control, underscoring the need for coordinated multilateral action.

Onn Hafiz's push for Asean-level engagement reflects growing frustration among Malaysian policymakers over the recurring air quality crises. Past efforts to address the issue through bilateral channels have yielded limited results, prompting calls for a more comprehensive regional framework to monitor and regulate activities that contribute to transboundary pollution.

The appeal signals Malaysia's intention to elevate haze management from a domestic or bilateral matter to the broader Asean agenda, where joint protocols and enforcement mechanisms could potentially yield more effective outcomes in protecting the region's air quality and public health.