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.