Malaysia, Brunei Agree To Use ASEAN Mechanism To Tackle Transboundary Haze

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have reached an agreement to use the ASEAN mechanism to address the issue of transboundary haze that has now returned to affect several areas in the region.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the matter was among those discussed with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in conjunction with the 27th Annual Leaders' Consultations (ALC-27) here today.

"We both agreed to use the ASEAN mechanism as the best option. We have asked Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to manage this issue," he said at the closing press conference in conjunction with a two-day working visit to Brunei.

Earlier, Anwar and the Malaysian delegation arrived at Istana Nurul Iman at about 11am to attend the ALC-27, with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, also attending.

Yesterday, Mohamad announced that Malaysia would use diplomatic channels at the ASEAN level to find a solution to the issue of transboundary haze that has affected several areas in the region.

According to Mohamad, Malaysia, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will submit an official letter to the ASEAN Secretariat in the near future.

According to data from the Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System (APIMS) portal, the Air Pollution Index (API) reading in Serian, Sarawak recorded a reading of 190 as of 9 am this morning.

Ten other areas also recorded unhealthy levels, namely Kuching (182), Samarahan (177), Sarikei and Sri Aman (173), Sibu (161), Bintulu (157), Samalaju and Mukah (156), as well as Miri and Bukit Rambai, Melaka, each at 151.
-- BERNAMA