what is the transboundary haze pollution act?

Previously in August 2020, the Ministry of Education and Water announced their decision to shelve the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act! Despite Malaysia and other countries being signed to the 2002 ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, Malaysia has not imposed any mechanisms to enact extraterritorial legislation against any Malaysian company if it or its subsidiaries abroad were found to be involved in causing transboundary haze pollution.

Why is this a big deal?

The government believes…

The former Environment and Water Minister, YB Dato’ Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man informed the Dean Rakyat that “the government believes that the best step is to enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries and ASEAN instead.”

Low Key Diplomacy = No Solution

This approach has not only led to no solution of the problem, but also contributed to irresponsible stakeholders to continue getting away with malpractise and unregulated open air burning. 

Malaysia stuck in the grey area

Malaysia is currently stuck in the thick of confusion with no transparent, publicly available data on who is burning what and where. There are currently no clear guidelines on legal framework nor reprecautions to the guilty parties! 

what needs to be done

We believe that Malaysia needs laws and policies (domestically and regionally) that say it’s not okay for some human beings to pay the price for their lives and well-being for the economic activities of others. Those who have suffered should be protected by the rule of law and be empowered to hold polluters accountable. 

1.

Cerah – Anti Haze Coallition wants to work together with the government on forming better policies towards addressing the issue

2.

We want to be able to not only know who is responsible but to be able to speak out and hold the polluters accountable. 

3. 

We know that if nothing is done, then our right to clean air, health and well-being will remain victims to external economic gains. 

 

AND WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR FIGHT

 

 

We make this statement in support of all of the following organisations:

  1. Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA)
  2. Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)
  3. Friends of Sungai Klang Mid Valley River Three
  4. Gagasan Insan Progresif
  5. Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Sejahtera Malaysia (GRASS)
  6. Agora Society Malaysia
  7. Parti Sosialis Malaysia
  8. Greenpeace Malaysia
  9. North South Initiative 
  10. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
  11. Sahabat Alam Malaysia
  12. IDRIS Association
  13. SAVE Rivers
  14. EMPOWER
  15. Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM)
  16. Student Unity Front UKM
  17. Justice for Sisters
  18. UMANY
  19. Malaysia Youth and Students Evolution HQ (Melaka) and Johor Branch
  20. Friends of  Bukit Kiara (FoBK)

 

 

We make this statement in support of all of the following organisations:

  1. Reef Check Malaysia
  2. Jaringan Kampung Orang Asli Semenanjung Malaysia (JKOASM)
  3. Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center)
    Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor
  4. Dr Khor Swee Kheng
  5. Projek Wawasan Rakyat (POWR)
  6. Penang Chant
  7. ALIRAN
  8. Sustainable Development Network Malaysia (SUSDEN MALAYSIA)
  9. Malaya Climat Rangers (MCR)
  10. Glimpse of Malaysia 
  11. Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim Pulau Pinang (JEDI)
  12. Tanung Bunga Residents’ Association (TBRA)
  13. Fuze Ecoteer
  14. Free Tree Scoiety
  15. TRANSIT
  16. Amnesty International Malaysia
  17. Zero Waste Malaysia
  18. Kebun Kebun Bangsar
  19. Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Ecoknights Kuala Lumpur dan Selangor