ISWAMI Malaysia urges factual reporting on transboundary haze

Kuala Lumpur (ANTARA) - The Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Friendship Association (ISWAMI) Malaysia urged media outlets to prioritize facts and expert views when reporting on transboundary haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia.

“Media should prioritize facts, expert opinions and the voices of affected people, while avoiding narratives that blame an entire country’s population,” ISWAMI Malaysia President Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman said in a statement issued in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

ISWAMI expressed concern over transboundary haze affecting air quality in Malaysia.

The association stressed that haze affects public health and well-being and is a shared regional responsibility, not merely an environmental issue.

“This recurring problem requires comprehensive solutions, not just emergency action when the situation worsens,” Ahmad Zaini said.

ISWAMI outlined five priorities. The first is protecting public health through air-quality monitoring, accurate information and health advice, and protective measures, particularly for at-risk groups.

It also advised the public to follow the Air Pollutant Index (API) and guidance from authorities.

The second priority is strengthening prevention and law enforcement in Indonesia by intensifying firefighting, preventing open burning and taking firm action against violators.

Third, it called for stronger Malaysia-Indonesia cooperation through hotspot data sharing, haze monitoring, technical assistance and firefighting operations when needed.

Fourth, it urged stronger ASEAN commitments to prevention, preparedness and emergency response to achieve a haze-free region.

Fifth, it called for accurate, balanced and responsible media coverage.

ISWAMI said close Malaysia-Indonesia ties should underpin open, constructive discussions without sidelining public interests, as both countries have the right to clean air and a safe environment.

Ahmad Zaini said transboundary haze could no longer be treated as a seasonal problem without effective, measurable long-term solutions.

“ISWAMI Malaysia believes genuine cooperation, clear accountability and effective action can prevent haze from recurring and harming people’s lives and environmental sustainability,” Ahmad Zaini said.

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Translator: Rangga PAJ, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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