Kuching - Malaysia and Indonesia will cooperate with each other in tackling haze from forest fires in Riau, Sumatra, expected to occur between June and October.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on it would be signed by representatives of both countries in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said under the MoU, Malaysia would be contributing RM2 million to provide training and support services towards achieving zero open burning, rehabilitation of burnt peat soil and the installation of a haze early warning system.
"The haze originating from hot spots in Kalimantan was also discussed at the ministerial steering committee (made up of ministry officers of both countries) meeting in April.
"Indonesia has outlined its action plan in tackling the problem," he told reporters at a Gawai (harvest festival) open house at his residence here today. said.
Uggah said the National Haze Committee involving various departments would be activated in anticipation of the haze due to the forthcoming dry spell following the weakening of the La Nina phenomenon.
Source: malaysia.news.yahoo.com (2 Juni 2008)
