Climate Change Bill Expected To Be Tabled In Current Dewan Rakyat Sitting - Arthur

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled during the current Dewan Rakyat sitting once it obtains Cabinet approval, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He said the Cabinet had agreed in principle to the drafting of the Bill, while engagement sessions with state governments, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, had been completed to ensure that the rights and legislative sovereignty of the states remained protected.

“Once we receive the green light or approval, we will inform the secretary of the Dewan Rakyat so that the Bill can be tabled during the current sitting,” he told reporters after the ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Malaysia International Green Technology and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference (IGEM) 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), here today.

On the issue of transboundary haze, Arthur said Malaysia was still awaiting official approval from the Indonesian government to send assistance to put out forest fires in that country.

“There is no estimated date yet, but Malaysia is ready in terms of assets, expertise and manpower. We are ready to help,” he said.

He said an official letter regarding the offer of assistance had been conveyed to Indonesia’s Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, followed by discussions by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his recent working visit to the republic.

“He (Ahmad Zahid) met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and we obtained approval. We are now coordinating the procedures through the Foreign Ministry with the Indonesian authorities,” he said.

On the current air quality situation, Arthur said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the National Haze Action Plan were ready to be activated according to the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, in addition to stepped-up monitoring at observation stations nationwide.

“If the API reading exceeds the threshold, the Education Ministry will be informed to take action under its authority. At the same time, we always advise the public to avoid or reduce outdoor activities.

“For those who may have relatively low immunity, if possible, do not go outside at all, wear a face mask and drink plenty of water,” he said.

-- BERNAMA