The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) urges the Malaysian government to lead and undertake proactive initiatives as the current Asean chair to tackle the haze crisis affecting the region. Haze has jeopardised the quality of life of Malaysians in various sectors and activities. The latest readings show that air quality is still unhealthy in many areas of our country.

High air pollution readings entails a negative effect on health with its smoke, allergens, toxicity and particles particularly upon respiratory systems especially those who are vulnerable, the sick and the elderly. It also affects the ecosystem whether natural or built environment such as buildings and clean air.

Haze causes serious disruptions to daily life. Schools are closed upon short notice and its activities as well plans are abruptly unsettled. Teachers and parents take on additional responsibilities as a result.

This problem should not be trivialised especially because it impinges on national productivity.

Acknowledging haze as a regional crisis, Abim reiterates that the Malaysian government act in its capacity as Asean chair to urgently convene and use all means and instruments within Asean’s platform and framework. Malaysia has to resolve this issue resolutely at the upcoming Asean summit. Abim urges the Malaysian government to persistently implement all the decisions spelled out in the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.

The agreement among others, determines that every member nation must cooperate to monitor and share information to enable coordinated action between countries to tackle haze.

Abim takes this opportunity to urge Muslims to supplicate and pray for the safety and well-being of the nation and to be sheltered from all forms of calamity and disaster.

Abim advises the public to be calm, heed instructions from relevant authorities, take care of their health and seek additional preventive measures to ensure adequate protection from risks.

MOHAMAD RAIMI AB RAHIM is president of the Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim).