M’sia wants regional squad created to put out haze-causing fires

Malaysia wants regional squad created to put out haze-causing fires

15 July 2011

published by http://thestar.com.my


Malaysia — Malaysia is pushing for a quick-response regional squad to fight fires that trigger transboundary haze, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah Embas.

The “rapid firefighting force” would be able to move speedily within Asean countries, he said.

“But how soon it can be done depends on the understanding and preparation of all countries,” he told reporters after launching the ministry’s biennial sports meet at Universiti Putra Malaysia Friday.

Uggah also said the matter would be discussed in an Asean ministerial steering committee next month.

Meanwhile, the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 5pm on Friday showed the air quality had deteriorated to unhealthy levels in Cheras and Sri Manjung in Perak.

Twenty-four areas were rated to have moderate air quality while another 24 areas were rated healthy.


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