Syed Saddiq Hits Back at Former Indonesian Minister Over Haze Dispute

Malaysian MP Syed Saddiq has responded to criticism from former Indonesian Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi over his parliamentary remarks on the transboundary haze, stressing that the issue is about holding polluters accountable rather than blaming Indonesia.

In a video shared on social media, the Muar MP said Malaysians and Indonesians were equally affected by the haze and deserved clean air.

He also rejected claims that he was defending Malaysian businesses, insisting that companies responsible for forest fires should face action regardless of nationality.

The exchange followed Lutfi's criticism of Syed Saddiq's October 13 parliamentary speech, in which he called for stronger ASEAN pressure on Indonesia over the recurring haze, including financial and consumer action against companies linked to open burning.

Lutfi accused Syed Saddiq of politicising the crisis while overlooking the suffering of Indonesians.

He also highlighted Malaysian-linked plantation companies operating in Indonesia, arguing that responsibility should fall on polluting businesses rather than the entire country.

This was not Lutfi's first criticism of a neighbouring country over the haze.

In an earlier video, he also called on Singapore to scrutinise Singapore-based executives and corporate groups allegedly linked to companies involved in Indonesian forest fires.

The dispute comes amid renewed concerns over forest fires in Indonesia affecting air quality across Southeast Asia.

Singapore's National Environment Agency recently announced further action against Indonesian companies suspected of contributing to the haze, bringing the total targeted under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to 10.