Hold those responsible for haze accountable, Suhakam urges govt

Suhakam said the recurring transboundary haze is a serious human rights and public health concern.

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for the immediate deployment of a dedicated, multi-agency task force to investigate and hold accountable the parties responsible for the recurring transboundary haze in Malaysia.

Describing the haze as a violation of fundamental human rights, the watchdog urged the government to pursue rigorous, evidence-based legal action under the "polluter pays" principle.

"The recurring transboundary haze is a serious human rights and public health concern," the commission said in a statement today.

"Public advisories and diplomatic engagement must be accompanied by concrete action to protect people, investigate the sources of haze affecting Malaysia and hold responsible parties accountable."

Regarding the "polluter pays" principle, Suhakam said Malaysia should develop a robust legal strategy and build a credible, evidence-based case by tracing verified fires to land ownership or control, company operations and fire-prevention measures.

Using satellite observation paired with scientific evidence, the government should also establish how smoke travelled and affected communities in Malaysia, it said.

"Recent reports on the haze do not by themselves establish the responsibility of any particular company or individual," it said.

"The government should establish a dedicated, multi-agency investigative team bringing together environmental scientists, corporate investigators and government lawyers.

"The team should coordinate with relevant authorities in the region and examine the evidence needed to identify those legally responsible."

Suhakam said any Malaysian corporate involvement should also be investigated with the same determination as other potential involvement.

"No company or individual should be shielded from scrutiny, and no party should be held liable without reliable evidence and a fair process."

The commission also urged the government to develop a dedicated transboundary haze law designed for the Malaysian legal contact, with clear definitions, effective investigative powers and appropriate criminal penalties.

"It should provide for corporate and individual accountability, including the role of parent companies and directors where their responsibility is established by evidence, while protecting due process and the right to a fair hearing."