# MPs demand tougher Asean haze response, call for disaster fund and stricter enforcement

> Malaysian MPs propose permanent ASEAN task force to tackle transboundary haze crisis with Indonesia.
- Title: MPs demand tougher Asean haze response, call for disaster…
- Summary: Malaysian MPs propose permanent ASEAN task force to tackle transboundary haze crisis with Indonesia. Malaysian MPs propose a permanent ASEAN task force to…
- Keywords: asean, haze, malaysia, transboundary haze, supply bill 2027, disaster fund, open burning, indonesia, malaysian parliament, dewan rakyat, news, world
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/16/mps-demand-tougher-asean-haze-response-call-for-disaster-fund-and-stricter-enforcement/239292
- Published: 2026-10-16T10:49:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: asean, haze, malaysia, transboundary haze, supply bill 2027, disaster fund, open burning, indonesia, malaysian parliament, dewan rakyat, news, world
## MPs propose permanent ASEAN task force
Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng proposed a permanent ASEAN task force to address transboundary haze crisis with Singapore, Philippines, and Indonesia.

> Malaysians cannot just remain silent in the face of this haze crisis without taking any action
## Year-round rescue team needed
Lim stressed the need for a permanent year-round rescue team ready to act immediately when forest fires occur.
## Legal action if Indonesia resists
Lim warned Malaysia would initiate legal action against Indonesia if it continued to reject the task force over sovereignty concerns.
## Haze crisis from Indonesia fires
The current haze crisis stems from worsening forest and land fires in Indonesia, with affected area reaching 300,000 hectares this year.
## Financial support for affected workers
Lim urged the government to provide special financial assistance to haze-affected gig economy workers and e-hailing drivers.
## Datuk Ali Biju calls for legal action
Datuk Ali Biju urged the government to explore international legal mechanisms for compensation from parties responsible for transboundary haze.
## Haze impacts 2027 SEA Games
Ali warned that recurring haze could disrupt the 2027 SEA Games in Sarawak scheduled for September next year.
## Stricter enforcement needed
Ali called for stricter enforcement against parties conducting open burning and setting up a disaster fund for affected workers.
## Key takeaway

Malaysian MPs propose a permanent ASEAN task force to address transboundary haze, urging legal action against Indonesia if it resists and a disaster fund for affected workers.