Asean must review transboundary haze mechanisms, says Anwar

 Prime minister says Asean ministers should pay serious attention to the matter as haze can directly impact the health and lives of many.

The air quality in Serian returned to the hazardous level this morning, with an air pollutant index reading of 302 recorded at the district police headquarters. (Bernama pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

Asean needs to review the mechanisms for dealing with transboundary haze to prevent adverse impacts on the people’s health, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today.

He said Asean ministers should pay serious attention to the matter as haze could have a direct impact on the health and lives of people, especially children and babies.

“There is room for improvement. I think the Asean ministers must look seriously at it, because this is affecting lives, particularly of children and babies, and if we have seen in Serian, (it) is really concerning,” he told reporters after attending a meeting with plantation and commodities ministry staff members here.

The air quality in Serian returned to the hazardous level this morning, with an air pollutant index reading of 302 recorded at the district police headquarters.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim declared a haze emergency in Serian last Friday, which was lifted yesterday. - FMT