Boycott firms linked to transboundary haze, says Syed Saddiq

 The Muar MP also proposes that Malaysia and Singapore work with banks to stop financing companies involved in forest burning.

Worsening haze has pushed air pollution to unhealthy levels in parts of Malaysia, prompting school closures.

KUALA LUMPUR:

Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman has urged Malaysians to boycott companies linked to forest fires that have caused the transboundary haze, saying consumers should use their purchasing power to pressure them.

Citing former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s approach during Malaysia’s dispute with the United Kingdom, Syed Saddiq said the public should not rely solely on the government to address the issue.

“We have the power, and our purchasing power can ultimately make Indonesian companies worried,” he said when debating the supply bill in the Dewan Rakyat.

The call comes amid worsening haze conditions that prompted school closures in several states.

The haze, caused by forest fires in Indonesia, also led to an emergency being declared in Serian, Sarawak, in September after the air pollutant index reached hazardous levels.

Syed Saddiq also urged Malaysia to take a firm diplomatic stand against Indonesia and seek support from other Asean countries, particularly Singapore, over the issue.

He said both countries could work with their financial institutions to stop financing companies involved in forest burning.

Syed Saddiq also proposed that Malaysia consider introducing legislation similar to Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to allow action to be taken against companies responsible for pollution beyond its borders.

He also said firm action should be taken against Malaysian companies found to be complicit in the forest fires. - FMT