Activists Push for a Clean Air Act to Hold Companies Accountable

The haze has returned, and once again, many of us are dealing with the familiar, suffocating smoke from forest fires. While we're used to seeing the same cycle every year, there is a growing call for the government to stop relying on quick fixes and start holding the people responsible for this crisis accountable .

Why current tactics aren't working

Whenever the air quality drops, the government usually responds by monitoring the situation and carrying out cloud seeding. But critics point out that these are just temporary patches. They don't actually stop the fires from happening in the first place. Many are now urging the authorities to look past these short-term tactics and focus on real, long-term solutions that actually protect our health .

We need a "Clean Air Act"

In August 2026, advocacy groups stepped up their pressure on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. Their main goal? To get a "Clean Air Act" passed that specifically addresses transboundary haze. If this law were in place, the government would have the legal power to hold companies accountable for haze-causing activities, even if those companies are operating outside of Malaysia .

The struggle for real change

This isn't the first time we've talked about a law like this. Back in 2020, the government dropped plans for a Transboundary Haze Act, worrying that it might hurt diplomatic ties or be too difficult to prove in court .

Today, the conversation has changed. Activists are tired of the usual "finger-pointing" between countries. They are pushing for the government to move away from diplomacy alone and instead create a strong, legally binding framework that ensures we can all breathe clean air .