KUCHING: The haze in Malaysia, especially what Sarawak is currently experiencing, is due to lack of diplomatic communication and action by Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin.
Santubong MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that was why Indonesia’s Environmental Affairs and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar blamed the situation on open burning in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia instead as well as the lack of communication between Yeo and her
counterpart in Jakarta.
Siti Nurbaya alleged that there was a cover-up by Malaysia, in a report by Indonesian newspaper Kompas and that she planned to send a protest note to the Malaysian ambassador.
Wan Junadi, who was previously Natural Resources and Environment Minister, said during his tenure, he always had discussions with his Indonesian counterpart.
He said the previous government under Barisan Nasional was very concerned and serious about tackling open burning and had good working relationship with Indonesia.
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, he said, also communicated with Indonesian president Jokowi on how best to solve the problem, adding that he followed up with several meetings and discussions in Jakarta.
According to Wan Junaidi, following these meetings, the Indonesian government formed its parliamentary committee to tackle open burning and the haze as they realised the serious impact the haze had on the region.
He said the task force committee was a strong one comprising all related agencies where they discussed ways and means to tackle bush fires, open burning and haze.
“That’s why in 2018, there was less haze compared to now because before the May (general) election, I had already called for meetings with related agencies and had discussions with Indonesia and the necessary action was taken…obviously it is not done this time around and the haze has returned.”
“During my time, I made sure all related departments and agencies are fully prepared for the dry season.
“Obviously, the present minister did not do that and only gave instructions a few days ago so there must be something not right with the ministry,” he said.
Wan Junaidi commended the efforts by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, saying the latter had done his job well but he had no direct communication with Jakarta.
“By right, all communication and action should be done by the federal government.”
Wan Junaidi also mentioned that Indonesia had already rectified the Asean Trans-Border Agreement in 2016, adding, with that Indonesia was obligated to do what needed to be done under the agreement.
He said members of the steering committee were Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei and Singapore.
“We have had several meetings and in August 2017, we struck an agreement for the ‘Asean Free of Haze by 2020’ roadmap.”
The roadmap, he said, included the installation of a monitoring system − both Singapore and Indonesia wanted it to be placed in their respective country.
On the haze engulfing Sarawak, Wan Junaidi said the monitoring system in Singapore had proven that it was caused by open burning in West Kalimantan.
He said there was no way smoke from West Kalimantan had been blown by the southeast monsoon winds to Sarawak.
