Johor Calls for Emergency ASEAN Meeting to Address Cross-Border Haze

Johor has called for an emergency ASEAN meeting to address the worsening cross-border haze affecting the state, with Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi saying the crisis requires stronger regional cooperation.

The proposal followed his meeting with Indonesian Consul-General in Johor Bahru, Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, to discuss deteriorating air quality and its impact on public health. 

Onn Hafiz Wants ASEAN to Coordinate Faster Response to Haze Crisis

Onn Hafiz said haze crossing national borders should be tackled collectively rather than through finger-pointing. He suggested ASEAN members with relevant expertise, assets and capabilities contribute according to their capacity, with greater coordination on prevention, monitoring and emergency response.

The call comes after 335 educational institutions in Batu Pahat were ordered to close when the Air Pollutant Index reached 203 on Tuesday night. 

The Johor government hopes ASEAN leaders will consider the proposal and strengthen regional cooperation to restore air quality as quickly as possible.

Onn Hafiz said a coordinated regional approach would help protect residents and ensure people across affected areas can live and work in a safer and healthier environment.