Government Rules Out Diplomatic Action Against Jakarta As Regional Haze Worsens

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Malaysia has ruled out pursuing legal action or issuing a diplomatic note to Indonesia over the worsening transboundary haze, despite widespread school closures and growing public anger over forest fires in the neighbouring nation

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that the government intends to preserve diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to the South China Morning Post.

He confirmed that Putrajaya would not escalate the situation through formal protests or court proceedings. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim echoed these sentiments on Thursday, stating that the government had exhausted all available channels to engage Jakarta on the matter.

Thick, hazardous smog continues to affect large swathes of southern and central Peninsular Malaysia, with Selangor and Johor bearing the brunt of the pollution

Worsening air quality forced authorities to suspend in-person classes across eight education districts in Selangor on Friday, affecting hundreds of thousands of students.

The persistent crisis has drawn sharp criticism of Indonesia's fire containment measures and raised serious questions about ASEAN's regional response framework.

Meanwhile, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong signalled on Thursday that the island republic could pursue legal action against companies linked to the blazes

Under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014, authorities can take legal action against entities responsible for causing haze pollution in the country, even if the offences occur overseas.

Wong added that Singapore had offered firefighting assistance to Indonesia while working closely with regional partners.

Muar member of parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman urged affected ASEAN nations to launch a coordinated diplomatic response

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, he proposed restricting corporate financing for firms implicated in illegal slash-and-burn practices.

He urged major financial institutions, including banks, to cut off credit lines to non-compliant companies, arguing that economic leverage remains the most effective deterrent.

Syed Saddiq's call for firmer action resonated on social media, where parents expressed concern over their children's health

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin also criticised the administration, describing Malaysia's approach towards Jakarta as overly permissive and urging Putrajaya to take a firmer diplomatic stance.