InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Malaysian lawmaker Kalam Salan has called on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to take immediate action against forest and land fires that contribute to transboundary haze, using the Javanese language during a speech in Malaysia’s Dewan Rakyat to reinforce his message.

According to New Straits Times, Kalam first urged Prabowo in Malay to extinguish the fires, stop burning activities and ensure the haze problem does not recur every year.

“Pak Prabowo, please take immediate action, put out the fires, stop the burning, and ensure this problem does not recur every year,” Kalam said, as quoted by Bernama.

He then asked permission to address the assembly in Javanese, explaining that he wanted his message to reach Indonesian leaders, whom he believed might not understand Malay.

His appeal highlights the continuing regional consequences of forest and land fires, with smoke spreading across national borders and affecting communities in neighbouring countries.

Haze Affects Health and Economic Activities

Kalam said haze pollution has caused health problems among Malaysians, including breathing difficulties, itchy throats and coughing. Exposure can also worsen asthma and other respiratory conditions.

The impact extends beyond public health. According to Kalam, deteriorating air quality can disrupt education, tourism and plantation activities. Schools may be forced to close, tourism businesses can suffer disruptions, and plantation workers may be unable to carry out field activities when air quality becomes hazardous.

These effects underscore how forest and land fires can create economic and social consequences far beyond the areas where the fires originate.

Call for Cleaner Air and Regional Cooperation

Kalam expressed hope that Indonesia and Malaysia would once again enjoy clear skies and clean air, allowing people in both countries to live healthier and more peaceful lives.

His appeal reinforces the need for sustained fire prevention, effective monitoring of fire-prone areas and consistent enforcement against illegal burning. Extinguishing fires after they break out remains essential, but preventing their recurrence is equally important.

For Indonesia, tackling forest and land fires is not only an environmental priority but also a matter of protecting public health, maintaining economic activity and preserving good relations with neighbouring countries.

Without effective and sustained prevention, transboundary haze risks remaining a recurring regional challenge. (T2)