The Climate Change Bill is expected to be tabled during the current Dewan Rakyat sitting once it receives Cabinet approval, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said.
He said the Cabinet had already agreed in principle to the drafting of the Bill, while engagement sessions with state governments, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, had been completed to ensure their rights and legislative sovereignty were protected.
“Once we receive the green light or approval, we will inform the secretary of the Dewan Rakyat so that the Bill can be tabled during the current sitting,” he told reporters after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Malaysia International Green Technology and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference (IGEM) 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
On transboundary haze, Arthur said Malaysia was still awaiting official approval from the Indonesian government before sending assistance to tackle forest fires in the country.
“There is no estimated date yet, but Malaysia is ready in terms of assets, expertise and manpower. We are ready to help,” he said.
He said an official letter offering assistance had been sent to Indonesia’s Environment Minister Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat, followed by discussions between Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Indonesian authorities during his recent working visit to the republic.
“He (Ahmad Zahid) met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and we obtained approval. We are now coordinating the procedures through the Foreign Ministry with the Indonesian authorities,” he said.
On Malaysia’s current air quality, Arthur said standard operating procedures under the National Haze Action Plan were ready to be activated based on Air Pollutant Index (API) readings, while monitoring at observation stations nationwide had also been stepped up.
“If the API reading exceeds the threshold, the Education Ministry will be informed to take action under its authority. At the same time, we always advise the public to avoid or reduce outdoor activities.
“For those who may have relatively low immunity, if possible, do not go outside at all, wear a face mask and drink plenty of water,” he said.
