KUALA LUMPUR: A study on the impact of the haze which enveloped Malaysia last year is still ongoing.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told the Dewan Negara today that a team from the ministry is studying the impact of the haze in terms of health, economy as well as social.
"The findings from the study will be made public and will be handed to ministries such as the Health Ministry for appropriate action."
He said Asean had, during a subregional committee meeting last month, agreed for a study on last year's haze to be carried out.
"Each member state would provide data on the impact of haze on a domestic level to the Asean secretariat," he said in reply to a question by Senator Dr Ariffin S.M. Omar.
Junaidi said the ministry is studying laws and regulations on open burning, especially its penalties.
"Some states, especially Sabah and Sarawak have their own mechanisms. We are looking at how they can operate (legislation) in line with the laws and regulations we are currently studying," he said.