JAKARTA – Indonesia and Malaysia are strengthening cooperation to prevent and address recurring transboundary haze in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia prioritizing early preventive measures and closer coordination with Indonesia rather than seeking compensation for haze-related impacts.
Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said preventive measures would be a key issue in his discussions with Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka during his working visit to Jakarta.
According to Zahid, preventing forest and land fires at an early stage is essential to reducing the risk of haze pollution affecting neighbouring countries.
“Prevention is better than cure,” Zahid said at a press conference after chairing a high-level committee meeting on national disaster management in Kuching.
Malaysia Prioritizes Prevention Over Compensation
Zahid said Malaysia would not prioritize demands for compensation over the haze issue.
Instead, Malaysia wants to strengthen coordination with Indonesia to prevent fires before they develop into a wider haze problem.
He said compensation would not necessarily address the underlying cause of the problem, while early preventive action could help both countries avoid sensitive issues associated with transboundary haze.
“Diplomatic measures must be taken alongside technical efforts between officials of neighboring countries,” Zahid said.
The proposed approach includes closer coordination between relevant agencies in Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in monitoring and preventing forest and land fires.
Indonesia-Malaysia Haze Cooperation Under the ASEAN Framework
The transboundary haze issue is also being addressed through regional cooperation under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) and the Second ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap.
The regional framework is intended to strengthen cooperation among ASEAN member states in preventing, monitoring and responding to land and forest fires and the resulting haze pollution.
For Indonesia and Malaysia, closer coordination is particularly important because smoke from fires can cross national borders and affect air quality in neighbouring areas.
Malaysia Prepares for Potential El Nino Conditions
Alongside haze prevention, Malaysia is also preparing for potentially drier weather conditions that could increase the risk of forest and land fires.
Malaysia’s high-level disaster management committee agreed that cloud seeding operations should not necessarily wait for a formal request if weather conditions are suitable.
Zahid said the Malaysian Meteorological Department could initiate cloud seeding operations when atmospheric conditions meet the required criteria.
Earlier this month, Sarawak requested cloud seeding operations over three major hydroelectric dams—Batang Ai, Bakun and Murum—as well as several water catchment areas to help increase water levels.
Jakarta Visit Strengthens Bilateral Cooperation
Ahmad Zahid’s working visit to Jakarta from September 17 to 20, 2026, included discussions on transboundary haze pollution and broader Indonesia-Malaysia cooperation.
Zahid was scheduled to meet Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and pay a courtesy call on President Prabowo Subianto.
The haze issue was discussed in the context of strengthening regional cooperation under the ASEAN framework, including the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the Second ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap.
Indonesia and Malaysia are also seeking to expand cooperation in rural development. During the visit, Zahid was scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia’s Minister of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions.
The discussions highlight a longer-term approach to Indonesia-Malaysia transboundary haze, focusing not only on responding to haze after it occurs, but also on early prevention, technical coordination and regional cooperation to reduce the risk of forest and land fires.
Asia News Network. (2026, September 17). Malaysia to pursue preventive measures with Indonesia on haze. https://asianews.network/malaysia-to-pursue-preventive-measures-with-indonesia-on-haze/
Business Today. (2026, September 17). Malaysia to Raise Haze Cooperation With Indonesia During Jakarta Visit. https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2026/09/17/malaysia-to-raise-haze-cooperation-with-indonesia-during-jakarta-visit/
