Malaysia thanks Indonesia for commitment to preserving haze-free skies

ADIB POVERA New Straits Times 22 Nov 17;

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today praised the Indonesian government for its commitment to tackling open-burning activities, which in previous years had triggered the transboundary haze.

The prime minister recorded the appreciation on behalf of the Malaysian government at a joint press conference held after the 12th Annual Consultation Malaysia and Indonesia today.

“It has been almost two years since Malaysia was last enveloped by (transboundary) haze.

“This reflects the seriousness of the Indonesian government in putting an end to any (open-burning) activities, which could trigger haze.

“Hence, I would like to record my appreciation to the Indonesian president (Joko Widodo) and also the Indonesian government for their commitment to ensure the region is free from any haze,” said Najib to applause from the delegates comprising ministers from the Malaysian and Indonesian government.

The commitment demonstrated by the Indonesian government in resolving the issues, said Najib, has brought relief to the people in Malaysia including those in Sarawak.

Najib later announced that both Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to enhance cooperation in forest conservation as well as efforts to save near-extinct wildlife including the Sumatran rhino and Orang Utans.

“This is in line with the Heart of Borneo initiative involving Indonesia, Malaysia and also Brunei. This is also a reflection of our seriousness towards pushing for sustainable development, which not only focuses on spurring the economy but also conservation of forests and wildlife,” said Najib.


Malaysia thanks Indonesia for tackling forest fires
Safrin La Batu The Jakarta Post 23 Nov 17;

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's efforts in tackling forest fires on Sumatra and Kalimantan and spare the neighboring country from air pollution.

Speaking during a joint press conference with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo before the 12th Malaysia-Indonesia annual consultative meeting in Kuching , Malaysia, Najib said his country had not experienced haze for two years.

“Thank you for the serious attention from Indonesia. The weather is now fresh, enjoyable,” Najib said as quoted in the Presidential Palace’s press statement on Wednesday.

Forest and land fires are perennial problems in Indonesia, with the latest fires in 2015 resulting in a choking haze blanketing numerous areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as Singapore and parts of Malaysia, costing the economy Rp 221 trillion, equal to about 1.9 percent of the country’s GDP.

In October, the National Disaster Management Agency claimed that Indonesia had improved its capacity to deal with land and forest fires following the 2015 disaster. Activists, however, have warned officials in Jakarta against complacency, saying that more needs to be done to address forest fires. (saf/ahw)