DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng wants Putrajaya to approve a special RM1,000 tax rebate for Malaysians to purchase air purifiers.
The call was made as Indonesia has turned down foreign assistance to combat forest and land fires that contributed to the haze that engulfed both Malaysia and Singapore.
“If Malaysia refuses to act against Indonesia to help Malaysians suffering from haze, then the Malaysian government should offer a special tax rebate (not tax deduction) of RM 1,000 to help Malaysians purchase air purifiers to cope with the haze crisis.
“Presently, many air purifiers are sold out and prices have also increaseddue to the shortage in supply.
“Air purifiers can help mitigate the adverse health effects for the elderly and young children. This RM 1,000 rebate for air purifiers will help cover some of the unexpected extra cost of haze that is burdening ordinary Malaysians,” Lim who is also Bagan MP said in a statement.
He also took Indonesia to task as Indonesia declined foreign assistance and did not declare haze a national disaster.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Dudung Abdurachman said that foreign assistance to help Indonesia combat widespread forest and land fires will have to wait since Indonesia have not declared haze as a national disaster.
Dudong is confident of his government’s ability to manage the crisis using its own resources.
“Indonesia is irresponsible for not declaring the haze situation a national disaster and for refusing international offers of help when it is clear that they cannot cope,” said Lim.
Lim also took Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan to task for not using ASEAN mechanisms to address the issue.
“The limp response by the Malaysian government led by Mohamad is disappointing.
“Mohamad refuses to suggest an ASEAN Transboundary Haze Task Force with permanent staff from ASEAN countries ready to conduct immediate fire-fighting efforts.
“Following the rejection by Indonesia, Mohamad has also refused to sue the Indonesian government and continues to rely on failed diplomatic efforts.
“Meanwhile Malaysians continue to suffer from the deteriorating haze situation with serious health issues and children not going to schools,” he said.—Oct 20, 2026
Main image: Straits Times
