Malaysia keen on Indonesia to re-evaluate its open burning laws

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will urge Indonesia to re-evaluate laws allowing farmers to clear land by open burning.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said small holders of land, lesser than two hectares are allowed to clear their land through open burning.
However. he added,the big plantations can be stopped while the smaller holders of land can clear their land by burning, using traditional means,"
He said the problem becomes severe when many small holders resort to open burning to clear their land.
"There needs to be a study done to stop them from burning. This is their (Indonesia) internal problem. So we have to approach the matter diplomatically." he said at the at the 18th Surveyors Congress 2016 at Hotel Istana today
Wan Junaidi also clarified that it is not a certainty that the haze will reoccur again in June.
He said the haze would reoccur only if there were bush fires, peat land fires, the absence of rain and if the wind does not change direction.
Meanwhile, he said the government is planning to introduce the European emission standard complaint petroleum in stages starting by 2018.
He said the standards are more stringent and will be beneficial to reducing carbon emissions in the country.
"At the moment we are doing it in stages. We'll have Euro 4 (petroleum) by 2018 and Euro 5 (petroleum) by 2025. By 2025, all kinds of petroleum will be Euro 5.
"Euro 5 is a more refined fuel, with less emissions, and of course, less dangerous emissions," Wan Junaidi told reporters after speaking at the 11th Malaysia Plan: Realising Green Growth seminar at the Sunway Putra Hotel.
He said the automotive industry have been notified of the impending changes and should have no difficulties adapting to it as they have time on their side.
European Union member states have adopted Euro 5 petroleum in 2009 and have upgraded to Euro 6 petroleum in 2014.