DPM urges Asean leaders to revive cooperation in tackling haze pollution

KUALA LUMPUR: Lack of resources is the cause for the delay in addressing transboundary haze pollution in the region.
Stating this today, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix) urged Asean leaders to revive some of the high-priority activities and undertake concrete actions.
"Due to lack of resources, some of the activities have been dormant for quite some time," he said at the 12th meeting of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) here.
He said 2015 should be seen as the benchmark of the worst experience of haze in the region.
He felt that to effectively implement the AATHP, member states have to further deliberate on reviving the high-priority or urgent cooperation in some crucial areas.
The high-priority areas or activities are:
» technical cooperation to mitigate the risks to human health and the environment arising from land and forest fires and haze pollution;
» further promote zero burning and controlled burning activities;
» enhance joint emergency response through table-top and simulation exercise;
» capacity building for law enforcement and prosecution;
» regular dialogue with international donor community and stakeholders; and
» to explore international partnership to ensure sustainable financial support.