In a statement, the ministry said it was still gathering feedback from the relevant government agencies, the attorney-general’s chambers (AGC) and NGOs on short term and long-term measures to resolve the problem.

“In the search for a solution, a committee comprising departments under the ministry, experts, NGOs as well as advisers and consultants will be formed to look into this matter.”

Last night, environment minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Putrajaya had decided against a bill aimed at punishing Malaysians whose actions led to haze in the country, regardless of where the burning occurred.

The decision, he said, was made after consulting the AGC and legal experts on the difficulties involved in prosecuting suspects.

Nik Nazmi had said that to enforce the law there needed to be conclusive evidence that the haze originated from neighbouring countries.

Such evidence included data such as a location map, coordinates, the information on the land owners and the site they were operating on, he said, adding that in such instances it would involve the “secrecy, security and the sovereignty of a country”.

According to the ministry, Nik Nazmi had consistently said that a Transboundary Haze Act would need to be scrutinised thoroughly, including taking into account the challenges and restrictions.

The challenges include the feasibility of enforcing such laws.

The experiences of other countries, such as Singapore, which have similar legislation would also be considered.

“Such legal instruments have proven to be successful, like the Air Quality Agreement between the US and Canada.”

The two nations entered into the agreement in 1991 to address transboundary air pollution. It led to a reduction in acid rain in the 1990s, and was expanded in 2000 to reduce transboundary smog emissions under the Ozone Annex.

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