Mahathir attacks pollution

Mahathir attacks pollution

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad warned Southeast Asian nations yesterday that failure to combat cross-border pollution would hinder the region's economic progress.

Mahathir called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to adopt processes that were "sustainable, clean and environmental-friendly to avoid costs associated with environmental degradation".

"The proximity of our borders requires that we address the problem of pollution from both the national and regional perspectives," he said when opening the 29th ASEAN economic ministers meeting.

"Failure to do so will most certainly cost us a lot and will retard our progress," he warned.