ASEAN to tackle haze problem

ASEAN to tackle haze problem

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): ASEAN countries need to step up efforts to tackle air pollution, which is expected to recur during the dry season starting July, ministers said in remarks published Saturday.

But they voiced concerns the political scenario in Indonesia, which faces general elections in June, as well as the regional economic crisis may hamper efforts, the New Straits Times reported.

"Our neighbor (Indonesia) will be having an election soon and there will be another period of waiting for a new government to form," said Malaysian Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding.

"We foresee difficulties if there is any problem during this transition period," Law was quoted as saying.

Environment ministers from the nine-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would meet in Brunei Friday to decide on measures to prevent forest and land fires, he added.