Proposed agreement would strengthen hotspot monitoring, fire prevention, and coordinated action between both countries.
Malaysia and Indonesia are considering a more formal framework for tackling recurring haze, as both countries explore a bilateral environmental agreement alongside existing ASEAN mechanisms.
Proposed MoU Targets Fire Prevention
Malaysia and Indonesia are exploring a memorandum of understanding on environment and climate change aimed at preventing forest and land fires and reducing transboundary haze. Malaysian Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the proposed cooperation would include hotspot data sharing, management of high-risk areas, and coordinated early action before fires spread.
ASEAN Agreement Remains Main Framework
Syed Ibrahim said both countries would continue working through the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, or AATHP, as the main regional mechanism for prevention, monitoring, and response. The cooperation is intended to support ASEAN’s goal of achieving a haze-free region by 2030. He made the remarks during a Dewan Rakyat session on October 21, 2026.
Malaysia Offers Firefighting Assistance
Malaysia formally offered assistance to Indonesia on September 9, including aerial firefighting through water bombing and cloud seeding. According to Syed Ibrahim, Indonesia subsequently agreed to accept Malaysia’s offer to help tackle fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Arrangements for deploying the assistance were still being coordinated by Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and other relevant agencies as of October 21.
Malaysia Pushes Regional Science and Funding
Malaysia has also proposed two ASEAN-level initiatives: stronger use of scientific data and evidence through what officials called science diplomacy, and a sustainable haze fund to expand financing for fire prevention and regional haze management. Discussions are expected to continue at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the AATHP in Vietnam in December.
Haze Law Still Faces Evidence Challenges
Responding to a question about introducing a Malaysian law specifically addressing transboundary haze, Syed Ibrahim said such legislation was possible but would require careful study to ensure it could be enforced effectively. He identified gathering sufficient evidence as a major challenge, including establishing the locations of fires, land ownership, parties operating in affected areas and links between particular fires and cross-border haze pollution.
The proposed MoU could add a bilateral layer to existing ASEAN cooperation by strengthening early detection, fire prevention, and information sharing between Indonesia and Malaysia. For Indonesians, it could bring additional coordination and resources to fire-prone areas in Sumatra and Kalimantan. For Singaporeans, the discussions are also relevant because regional haze management depends on effective cooperation among Southeast Asian countries affected by cross-border smoke.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , BERNAMA (2026)
Keywords: Malaysia Indonesia Haze, Transboundary Haze Agreement, ASEAN Haze, Forest Fire Prevention, Hotspot Monitoring, Climate Cooperation
