Abang Jo pushes ASEAN haze action

BANGKOK: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has called for a coordinated ASEAN firefighting strategy, warning that recurring transboundary haze requires stronger collective action.
 
Speaking at the fireside chat (informal discussion) moderated by Channel NewsAsia business news presenter after participating in a ministerial session at Gastech2026 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) here yesterday (Sept 14), Abang Johari said the ASEAN Secretariat should spearhead efforts to develop a practical mechanism for combating large-scale forest fires across the region.
 
Recalling the severe haze that affected Sarawak two decades ago and its current return, he said he had recommended that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engage the Indonesian government to seek long-term solutions to the recurring environmental crisis.
 
“It may happen again in future, but what is important is for the ASEAN Secretariat to explore how to put out forest fires,” he said.
 
Abang Johari proposed that ASEAN consider deploying specialised amphibious aircraft capable of scooping water from rivers and reservoirs to conduct rapid aerial water-bombing operations, similar to those used in Canada.
 
He said such regional firefighting assets could significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of emergency response during major forest fires.
 
He stressed that while individual countries must strengthen environmental protection, peatland management and carbon emission mitigation, transboundary haze is ultimately a regional climate challenge requiring collective responsibility.
 
The Premier said Sarawak’s own development model demonstrates that economic growth and environmental sustainability can progress together.
 
He noted that about 60 per cent of Sarawak’s electricity comes from hydropower, complemented by biomass, solar energy and natural gas, enabling the state to pursue low-carbon industrialisation while maintaining economic expansion.
 
Abang Johari also highlighted Bintulu’s recognition by the World Economic Forum as a low-carbon industrial cluster, saying green-financed industries are increasingly choosing the area as an investment destination.
 
He added that Sarawak remains committed to balancing sustainability with prosperity, insisting that climate action should not come at the expense of economic opportunities, but instead serve as a catalyst for creating a greener and more resilient regional economy.