MINISTER of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Malaysia has sent a letter to Indonesia regarding cooperation under the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.  

He said following instructions from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, a letter had been sent to his counterpart in Indonesia to coordinate a resolution of the transborder smog issue. 

“I have sent a letter to Indonesia. Yesterday, the prime minister had instructed the ministry to coordinate this smog problem. 

“Following the instruction, I sent a letter to my counterpart in Indonesia,” he told reporters today. 

The Malaysian Air Pollution Index Management System website operated by the Department of Environment reported that as of this afternoon, the air quality in Sri Aman was at an unhealthy level of 138 while in Serian, Sarawak it was 113. 

An API reading of zero to 50 indicates that the air quality is good; 51 to 100, moderate; 101 to 200, unhealthy; 201 to 300, very unhealthy; and above 300, hazardous. 

Earlier, Nik Nazmi said a Malaysia Pavilion would be set up at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to showcase local solutions for tackling climate change.  

He said the pavillion would showcase critical topics like energy transition, mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable finance.  

“It is not just a physical structure but a clear demonstration of our commitment and hard work in addressing climate change. It will embody the spirit of collaboration, which is a crucial aspect of Malaysian culture.  

“We want to make our pavilion something that is interesting to see and tell our story,” he said.   

Nik Nazmi said the pavilion would also showcase input from an advisory panel on climate change. 

He said besides the government and private sector, input was also taken from civil society organisations, vulnerable communities, youth, and children.  

“We need to do more with children; we need to see children as the biggest stakeholders. We need also to educate their parents about climate change,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s participation at the conference was a lasting legacy of climate action and sustainable development. – Bernama, October 4, 2023.