Malaysia, Indonesia will discuss transboundary haze issue: Malaysian Deputy PM

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will formally raise the transboundary haze issue with Indonesian authorities, with emphasis being put on joint diplomatic effort and preventative measures, the Deputy Prime Minister announced Wednesday.

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will raise the transboundary haze issue with Indonesian authorities, with a focus on diplomatic cooperation and preventive measures, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Wednesday.

He told a press briefing ahead of a working visit to the neighboring country from Thursday that Malaysia's approach was to address the issue through structured diplomacy alongside technical coordination with neighboring countries.

Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia was also prepared to assist Indonesia in tackling forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, with the National Disaster Management Agency directed to stand ready to coordinate cloud seeding operations and provide logistical support if formally requested by Indonesian authorities.

Parts of Malaysia have seen poor to hazardous air quality in recent weeks as well as a rise in reported respiratory complications.