THERE are no plans to enact specific laws to deal with transboundary haze.

       In stating this, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said although there might be a need for such a law, constraints on security issues and the inability to obtain accurate data from neighbouring countries would make enforcement of such laws difficult even if enacted.

       He said presently, data on satellite images of hotspot areas were being shared between Asean nations.

       “Instead of having such a law, we rather take a more harmonious approach in maintaining relations with our neighbours through dialogue,” he said in reply to Yeo Bee Yin (PH-Bakri).

       Tuan Ibrahim also said it would not be possible for the government to control the purchase and use of land by a local company in another country.

       He said the transboundary haze issue is discussed in a transparent manner between Asean members during their meetings.

       “Fortunately, we have not had haze in the past two years as weather conditions have been cold and damp,” Tuan Ibrahim said.

       He explained that the haze need not have necessarily come from Indonesia as there were hotspot areas in Sarawak, too.

       Making a point: Tuan Ibrahim replying to queries raised by MPs in the Dewan Rakyat. — Bernama

       The minister also disclosed that his ministry was currently finalising the draft on climate change laws which is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year.

       A special climate change fund would also be set up to deal with issues which could arise due to climate change, he added.

       Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim also advised Malaysians to be prepared for more flooding as thunderstorms and strong winds would continue during the monsoon transitional phase until mid-May.

       He said the storms would usually occur in the late afternoons and early evenings, mostly affecting states on the west coast and interior of the peninsula, western Sabah, and western and central Sarawak.

       Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PN-Tumpat) had asked the minister to explain the government’s preparations in the advent of the transitional phase of the monsoon.

       Tuan Ibrahim said MetMalaysia, the Drainage and Irrigation Department, National Disaster Management Agency and the local authorities had been coordinating on the issue.

       He said the ministry had applied for RM94bil to develop a long-term fix to the flooding issue.

       Of this, he said the Finance Ministry had approved RM15bil to be used for flood mitigation work until 2030.

       Tuan Ibrahim said funds would be used to strengthen the early warning system for floods, build flood structures such as water tunnels in high-risk areas and increase the capacity of flood infrastructure and systems throughout the country.