Malaysia should boycott firms linked to transboundary haze: Syed Saddiq

Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged Malaysian consumers and businesses to boycott companies linked to transboundary haze, citing the need for stronger action against forest-burning activities affecting the region.

The Muar Member of Parliament also proposed that Malaysia and Singapore collaborate with financial institutions to prevent banks from financing enterprises involved in forest clearing and burning operations.

The call reflects growing frustration in Malaysia over recurring haze episodes originating from neighbouring countries, particularly during dry seasons. Transboundary haze has emerged as a recurring environmental and public health challenge across Southeast Asia, affecting air quality and visibility across the region.

Syed Saddiq's dual-pronged approach targets both consumer behaviour and financial infrastructure, suggesting that market pressure combined with restricted access to capital could discourage companies from engaging in forest-burning practices. The proposal represents an attempt to leverage economic incentives alongside traditional diplomatic channels to address the regional environmental issue.

The proposal underscores Malaysia's continued efforts to tackle haze pollution through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as the country seeks to protect its citizens from the health impacts of deteriorating air quality.