Kuching - Malaysia and Indonesia will cooperate in tackling haze from forest fires in Riau, Sumatra, expected to occur from June to October.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas said the two countries would sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
He said, under the MoU, Malaysia would contribute RM2mil for training and support services to achieve zero open burning, rehabilitation of burnt peat soil and installation of an early warning system.
“Haze originating from hot spots in Kalimantan was discussed at a ministerial steering committee meeting (made up of ministry officers of both countries) in April.
“Indonesia has outlined an action plan to tackle the problem,” he told reporters at a Gawai (harvest festival) open house at his residence here.
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: http://thestar.com.my (June 6, 2008)
