A COMMITTEE would be established to study issues related to transboundary haze pollution including the drafting of the Transboundary Haze Act, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry said.

It said the committee would comprise ministry departments, experts, civil society groups (CSGs) and advisory and consultant panel members.

It said a workshop would be held after COP28.

“The ministry once again stresses we will not close the door on the bill as a mechanism to deal with transboundary smog issues,” it said in a statement tonight.

It also said the ministry was collecting feedback from government agencies, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and CSGs, including on short- and long-term measures in dealing with the transboundary smoke.

“Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has consistently stated the Transboundary Haze Act needs to be thoroughly studied … especially the feasibility of this law based on the experience of countries with similar laws like Singapore,” the statement said.

It said the United States-Canada Air Quality Agreement was the most successful legal instrument because both countries accepted it and established a body to manage the deal. – Bernama, November 7, 2023.