Iswami Called for Fact-Based Haze Reporting
The journalists association urged transparent monitoring of transboundary haze between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Asthma
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Iswami Malaysia has called on the media to prioritize accurate, fact-based reporting regarding the recurring transboundary haze crisis. The organization advocates for relying on the Air Pollution Index to protect public health as forest fires in Indonesia continue to impact the region.
Why it matters
Accurate reporting is essential to mitigating public health risks caused by poor air quality. The haze is viewed as a shared responsibility that demands collaborative, long-term technical and policy solutions between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Official reports indicate that forest fires have caused 1,600 flight disruptions in Indonesia. Authorities continue to monitor air quality levels as the primary metric for public health safety.
The players
Iswami Malaysia
This is the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Friendship Association that advocates for bilateral cooperation.
Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman
He is the President of Iswami Malaysia who issued the call for improved haze reporting standards.
The details
Iswami Malaysia has proposed a five-point plan to manage the haze, which includes strengthening law enforcement against open burning and increasing technical cooperation between nations. The association also emphasized the need for a stronger commitment from ASEAN members to prevent future outbreaks.
Timeline
October 12, 2026: Iswami Malaysia released the official statement in Kuala Lumpur.
Health Landscape
This effort to align regional reporting standards functions within the scope of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. It marks a push to update how scientific data is communicated to the public compared to past reactive management cycles.
The call for reliance on the Air Pollution Index encourages individuals to monitor localized data to better manage their respiratory health during high-pollution events. Residents in affected regions should adjust their daily routines based on official index updates to limit exposure.
The takeaway
Public health safety depends on access to verified, air-quality data rather than speculative reporting during environmental crises. Residents can improve their personal preparedness by regularly checking national Air Pollution Index readings during fire seasons.
Further reading
For more information on how air quality impacts respiratory health, visit the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TEMPO.
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