Anwar: Malaysia Ready to Help Indonesia Fight Forest Fires, Proposes ASEAN Haze Mechanism
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Oct. 18 that Malaysia remains ready to assist Indonesia in tackling the forest and land fires causing transboundary haze, and proposed an ASEAN-level cooperation mechanism to strengthen collective action. Posting on social media, Anwar said he was closely monitoring the fires, which have affected Malaysians' health and daily lives, including forcing school closures in several states and areas. 'Malaysia remains ready to provide assistance, just as we have offered previously,' he said, acknowledging the Indonesian government's deployment of tens of thousands of personnel and various aerial assets against the blazes. He noted that tackling such disasters is complex given the vast areas involved and unpredictable weather. Anwar stressed the transboundary challenge must be addressed through shared commitment and responsibility, reflecting the close ties between Malaysia and Indonesia. GSM previously reported that Malaysia's foreign minister proposed on Oct. 12 bringing cross-border haze onto the ASEAN summit agenda, and that Indonesia is facing its worst fire season in 11 years, with more than 69,000 firefighters deployed and haze reaching Singapore and Timor-Leste.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：马来西亚首相安瓦尔（资料图）。Laily Rachev 摄，公共领域，取自维基共享资源。Photo: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (file photo). By Laily Rachev, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
