AGP Executive Report

Haze Watch: Malaysia’s Department of Environment says it will keep stepping up monitoring and patrols to stop open burning and other activities that could worsen haze, including checks on hotspots from satellite images and follow-ups with the fire service. Flood Resilience: A consultant warns Malaysia must shift from reactive flood mitigation to prevention, arguing that protecting natural assets like catchment forests, mangroves and green spaces can cut risk more sustainably than river-capacity fixes alone. Forest Reserve Transparency: Orang Asli groups in Kelantan urge the state to disclose the status of Permanent Forest Reserves in Ulu Gua Musang, citing deforestation, encroachment and rising human-wildlife conflict. Wildlife Safety: Perhilitan relocated the wild male elephant “Sulong Chalil” to Terengganu Taman Negara to reduce accident and conflict risks. Aquaculture Standards: Fisheries Malaysia launched three Good Aquaculture Practice codes plus an antimicrobial resistance awareness kit to improve farm biosecurity and product quality. Stormwater Preparedness: PETRA highlights a national push for smarter, data-led stormwater management to strengthen city resilience. Local Food & Farming: At MAHA 2026, FAMA reported RM3.13m in sales and Malaysia and Hungary agreed to study indigenous livestock breeds for heat- and humidity-tolerant farming. Worker Safety: Bullard and DuPont announced a joint worker-safety commitment at OGA 2026, focusing on PPE and respiratory protection for oil & gas operations.

Stormwater & flood resilience: PETRA says drainage systems must be assessed before projects start, warning that rapid development and concrete cover are worsening flooding risks and urging stricter planning-stage checks. Asean haze pressure on Malaysia Day: Sarawak haze in Kuching and Serian has forced Malaysia Day events on Sept 16 indoors, while cloud-seeding plans depend on meteorological suitability. Sarawak air quality turns hazardous again: API readings in Kuching and Serian hit hazardous levels, with other Sarawak areas also very unhealthy, prompting advice to avoid outdoor activity. Transboundary fire smoke keeps spreading: Indonesia’s Kalimantan wildfires are driving unhealthy conditions across the region, with haze expected to linger as winds carry smoke. Nature protection vs development: Orang Asli groups in Kelantan demand transparent disclosure of Permanent Forest Reserve status in Ulu Gua Musang after reports of large-scale deforestation and rising human-wildlife conflict. Aquaculture push with safer practices: Fisheries Malaysia rolled out Good Aquaculture Practice codes for giant freshwater prawns, marine fish ponds and freshwater fish cages, plus an antimicrobial resistance awareness kit. Wildlife rescue: A male elephant (“Sulong Chalil”) was relocated to Terengganu Taman Negara to reduce road-accident and human conflict risks. Food security at MAHA 2026: FAMA reported RM3.13m in sales at MAHA so far and highlighted agri-food marketing and knowledge-sharing efforts. Cyber resilience & scams: Home Minister says RM5.16m in scam proceeds was returned to victims (Jan–Jul 2026) and highlights rising child sexual abuse material cases and cross-border cyber operations.

Haze & Wildfires: Indonesia’s fire smoke is still pushing toward Malaysia, with BMKG forecasting pollutants could drift toward the Strait of Malacca and Natuna Sea, while Sarawak’s air quality worsened again—hazardous API readings hit Kuching (407) and other districts, schools have been closed and haze masks are running out. Air Pollution from Everyday Practices: Experts warn that even small-scale open burning of rubbish, leaves and dry branches can worsen local air quality, especially during haze when smoke gets trapped. Energy & Climate Trade-offs: A new report highlights how air conditioning saves lives but also increases climate pollution as cooling demand rises and electricity often comes from fossil fuels. Green Buildings: KPKT becomes the first Malaysian ministry to earn GreenRE Gold under the Existing Non-Residential Building category, alongside a Gold Energy Certificate. Agriculture & Sustainability: Budget 2027 priorities for agribased-commodities include boosting smallholders’ incomes, replanting, and using mechanisation, automation and AI—while stressing sustainability and traceability. Refugees: UNHCR says it has no role in Malaysia’s planned Myanmar refugee repatriation and warns returns are unsafe. Wildlife Protection: West Kalimantan is stepping up orangutan rescue and relocation as fires threaten habitat during the dry season. Policy & Governance: MACC boosts cross-border anti-corruption cooperation via GlobE Network, focusing on faster information exchange for overseas cases.

Haze & Wildfires: Sarawak’s air turned hazardous again as Indonesian smoke pushed Air Pollutant Index readings above 300 in multiple districts, with Kuching hitting 407; schools have been shut and haze masks are running out, while residents report worsening asthma and sore throats. Climate Extremes: Malaysia is bracing for stronger El Niño impacts, with manufacturers urging close coordination and early warnings on water stress to prevent disruptions if dam levels fall. Sustainable Buildings: Putrajaya’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government became the first ministry to earn GreenRE Gold for existing non-residential buildings, alongside a Gold Energy Certificate, as a “lead by example” push on energy efficiency. Agriculture & Food Security: DVS and Rompin Dairy Farm signed an RM4m MoU to boost local livestock genetics via frozen semen production of the Giromas breed, supporting breeding research and crossbreeding. Air Pollution Prevention: Experts warn that even “small” open burning of rubbish, leaves and dry branches can spike local PM10/PM2.5, especially during haze when air circulation is poor. Energy & Resilience: DayOne and TNB GenCo are exploring up to 1.5GW of on-site power for new data centres in Selangor to strengthen grid reliability for AI growth. Policy for SMEs: MIER says Malaysia’s SME support should shift from more funding to better coordination and outcome-based help, reducing overlap across agencies.

Haze & Air Quality Crisis: Sarawak is preparing cloud seeding from Sept 3–5 as Indonesian wildfires push smoke across Borneo, with several Sarawak districts hitting hazardous API levels (Serian among the worst at 475). Officials say seeding depends on suitable cloud conditions and is also meant to help replenish depleted reservoirs and dams. Disaster Response: Nepal and China are tracking a temporary barrier lake formed after a glacier collapse, with emergency alerts issued as water levels rise and overflow risk grows; Nepal’s confirmed deaths have climbed to 903 with thousands missing. Food Security & Rice: Malaysia’s rice self-sufficiency ratio should be raised to at least 80% for stable supply, with plans to boost productivity, strengthen supply chains and expand technology use. One Health Collaboration: A regional symposium in the Indo-Pacific is pushing coordinated One Health action to tackle zoonotic disease threats linked to climate change. Local Livelihoods: The Ekosistem Warisan Negara project was launched in Melaka to strengthen local retail and later expand into healthcare, education and daily services to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Haze Watch in Sarawak and Beyond: Indonesia’s wildfires are pushing Malaysia’s air into dangerous territory, with Sarawak leading the worst readings as Serian hit API 476 and Kuching, Samarahan and Sri Aman all logged hazardous levels; the DOE also reported unhealthy and very unhealthy air across multiple states, while Sarawak readies emergency steps and cloud seeding is being planned for Sept 3–5 to help replenish depleted reservoirs. National Day, Weather and Air Quality: Putrajaya’s API was moderate (79) as the National Day crowd topped 100,000, but haze still forced safety monitoring and cloud-seeding readiness. Food Security Push: Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu said Malaysia must lift rice self-sufficiency to at least 80% and expand technology-backed productivity and supply chains, with MAHA 2026 highlighting innovation alongside environmental sustainability. Fisheries Skills and Sustainability: NEKMAT is exploring Malaysia–Vietnam cooperation to train fishing skippers and transfer deep-sea tuna know-how, with sustainability and environmental safeguards built in. Clean Energy and Nature Diplomacy: King Charles congratulated Sultan Ibrahim, urging continued UK–Malaysia cooperation on clean energy and biodiversity protection.

Transboundary Haze Watch: Indonesia’s forest and land fires are sending smoke pollutants toward the Malacca Strait and Natuna Sea, with BMKG warning of severe conditions and hazardous PM2.5 levels that could affect Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Air Quality Response: Malaysia is ramping up haze mitigation, including cloud seeding in areas with API above 150 and where dam levels are falling, with hazardous readings reported in parts of Sarawak. Forest Protection Clash: A Malaysian nature group is challenging Pahang’s move to remove protection from permanent forest reserves, demanding a public inquiry and full disclosure of what is being degazetted and the environmental impacts. Circular Agri-Food Innovation: At MAHA 2026, researchers and agencies showcased pineapple-based products that turn waste into value—Pinasweet (low GI sweetener) and LiqoFas (liquid organic fertiliser)—pushing a circular economy agenda. Wildlife Rescue in Fire Zone: An orangutan found weak near Borneo fire battles was rescued and treated, highlighting the human and biodiversity toll of haze and wildfires. Climate Disaster Update (Regional): Nepal’s flood death toll rose to 788 with 2,502 missing as authorities warned of possible fresh flooding in the Bhotekoshi River. Tourism & Nature Link: Dusit’s ASAI Gamuda Cove opens in September near Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, positioning “Live Local” hospitality alongside wildlife and freshwater wetland experiences.

Haze Response in Malaysia: The DOE says schools and childcare centres should close when API exceeds 200, with outdoor activities suspended once API tops 100, and cloud seeding triggered when API stays above 150 for more than 24 hours. Air Quality Watch: As of Aug 30, 17 Malaysian areas hit unhealthy to hazardous API levels, with Sarawak leading (Serian 374, Samarahan 306, Kuching 295, Sri Aman 214) and other hotspots in Selangor, KL and Perak. Cloud Seeding Plan: Datuk Seri Arthur Kurup says cloud seeding will run Sept 3–5 in Sarawak and northern Peninsular Malaysia to cut haze and support dam water levels, depending on suitable weather. Transboundary Fire Signals: NOAA satellite analysis via ASMC found 13 hotspots in Malaysia (mostly Sarawak) alongside nearly 2,000 in Indonesia, with moderate-to-thick haze moving toward western Sarawak. Forest Governance Shock: Pahang and three other states rejected key public-inquiry and land-replacement provisions in the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022, allowing more forest reserve degazetting without a public hearing. Nature Restoration: In Jimah, Negeri Sembilan, mangrove planting has turned a once-sandy area greener since 2021, with over 40,000 trees established. Agri Circular Economy: MAHA 2026 saw LPNM launch pineapple-based Pinasweet (low-GI natural sweetener) and LiqoFas (liquid organic fertiliser) made from pineapple waste.

Haze Health Alert: Malaysia’s air quality worsened again, with Sri Aman in Sarawak hitting “very unhealthy” API levels (221–229 range in updates) while 28–29 other areas logged “unhealthy” readings, as smoke drifted in from Kalimantan and hundreds of hotspots were detected across Indonesia. National Day Contingency: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the National Day parade will go ahead only if haze stays at current levels, with assessments ongoing and cloud seeding possible via NADMA. Regional Haze Response: Singapore’s SIIA urged stronger ASEAN coordination on firefighting plans, noting the new ACC THPC in Jakarta is not yet fully operational; an Indonesian lawmaker also called for Malaysia and Singapore to help prevent fires on the ground. Biodiversity on the Ground: Pansar planted 503 native trees (Engkabang Jantung and Belian) at UPM Bintulu in a sustainability drive. Sustainable Agriculture Push: MAHA 2026 was framed as a new chapter for agrifood sustainability, targeting lower carbon emissions and less single-use plastic. Water-Saving at School: A Selangor primary school installed a rainwater harvesting system to cut treated water use for non-potable needs. Climate Disaster Context: Nepal–Tibet flash floods continue to drive global attention on disaster risk and climate-linked impacts, with thousands missing and hundreds dead.

Haze Watch: Air quality in Malaysia worsened again, with Sri Aman, Sarawak hitting “very unhealthy” API levels (221 as of 9am) and 28 other areas in the unhealthy range; DOE linked the deterioration to haze smoke moving from multiple directions, while hotspots were detected across Kalimantan and Sumatra. National Day Contingency: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the National Day parade will go ahead on Monday if haze stays at current levels, with cloud seeding only considered if conditions allow and NADMA can coordinate. ASEAN Haze Cooperation: Singapore’s SIIA urged stronger cross-border firefighting coordination as ASEAN’s new haze centre in Jakarta is still not fully operational, while Indonesia said it is coordinating with Malaysia and discussing weather modification along border areas. Wildlife & Land Use: NRES/Perhilitan said it is developing new approaches to reduce human-wildlife conflicts as development and new land openings push animals like elephants closer to communities. Sustainability at MAHA: KPKM highlighted sustainability steps at MAHA 2026, including cutting single-use plastics and improving waste and food management, while a Selangor school project “Catch the Rain, Ease the Strain” uses harvested rainwater to cut treated water use. Food Resilience: KENDIRI home-farming campaign was launched to help households grow some vegetables and herbs as a resilient, supplementary food source.

Transboundary Haze: Indonesia says it is coordinating with Malaysia to tackle worsening haze, with weather modification operations along border areas among the first steps discussed as smoke from West Kalimantan pushes air pollution into Sarawak, where API readings hit very unhealthy levels. Local Air Quality: In Malaysia, Sri Aman recorded a very unhealthy API of 211 at 2pm, while 21 other areas also logged unhealthy readings, including parts of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak and Selangor. Wildfire Risk: Region-wide forest and peatland fires tied to a supercharged dry season and “Godzilla” El Niño have burned far more land than prior cycles, driving hazardous smoke across borders and forcing health warnings and school closures. Human-Wildlife Conflicts: NRES says it is studying new methods to reduce human-elephant and other wildlife conflicts as development and settlement expansion push animals into closer contact with people. Homegrown Food Resilience: KPKM launched the KENDIRI home farming campaign to help households grow vegetables and herbs as a supplementary food buffer against crises and climate change. Nepal Flood Disaster: Nepal reports hundreds missing after Himalayan glacial-collapse flash floods, including two Irish tourists named among unaccounted travellers.

Transboundary Haze Response: Indonesia is coordinating with Malaysia on transboundary haze, with the first step being weather modification operations along border areas as West Kalimantan smoke pushes API levels to very unhealthy ranges in Sarawak. Local Air Quality Alerts: Selangor has stepped up haze preparedness under the National Haze Action Plan, scaling measures as API climbs, while Sarawak saw its worst readings with Sri Aman hitting API 215 (“very unhealthy”) and multiple Klang Valley areas also recording unhealthy levels. Wildlife Conflict Management: NRES/Perhilitan says human-wildlife conflicts, especially elephant encounters, are rising due to new settlements and development, and it is studying new methods to reduce incidents without disturbing animals’ habitats. Homegrown Food Resilience: KPKM launched the KENDIRI campaign to encourage Malaysians to grow food at home as a resilient, pesticide-conscious supplement to national supply. Infrastructure for Greater KL: Cabinet agreed in principle to the Bandar Malaysia–Seri Kembangan Elevated Highway, linking major expressways to ease congestion and improve corridor connectivity. Regional Climate Disaster Watch: Nepal’s flash floods tied to glacial collapse have killed hundreds and left over 1,400 missing, with recovery costs expected to run into billions—highlighting the growing climate risk to mountain communities.

Himalayan Climate Disaster: Flash floods and landslides on the Nepal–Tibet border, triggered by a glacial collapse, have killed at least 359 people and left more than 1,300 missing, with rescue teams still searching for foreign tourists and pilgrims along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers. Malaysia–Indonesia Haze Watch: Malaysia’s DOE reported nine areas with unhealthy API readings as hotspots in Kalimantan rose sharply, with enforcement and the National Haze Action Plan activated. National Day Shift Due to Haze: Malaysia moved the 2026 National Day PM address from Dataran Merdeka to PICC to protect public health, with parade decisions to follow MOH and DOE guidance. Forest-Fire Crackdown: Indonesia’s Prabowo ordered revocation of permits for firms suspected of ordering forest and land burning, as haze spreads regionally. Illegal Mining Clampdown: Police seized natural resources worth nearly RM21m from illegal mines across 10 states, arresting 99 people. Health Policy in Focus: MOH said it is still studying the dengue vaccine for the National Immunisation Programme, citing cost-benefit concerns.

Himalayan Disaster: Flash floods and landslides on the Nepal–Tibet border, believed triggered by a glacial collapse, have killed at least 165–270 people and left more than 1,300 missing, with rescue teams racing to search devastated villages along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers; officials say many missing are foreign tourists and pilgrims, while China reports deaths and hundreds still unaccounted for. Malaysia Haze Watch: Malaysia’s air quality worsened as haze moved in; nine areas recorded unhealthy API readings by 4pm, with Sarawak’s Samarahan (158) highest, and DOE says enforcement and open-burning patrols have been stepped up while haze action plans are activated. ASEAN Food Security: Malaysia signed ASEAN MoUs to expand trade and climate-smart tech for agri-food, agri-commodities and forestry, aiming to strengthen regional supply chains against floods, droughts and pests. EV Charging Push: Chinese smart charging firm LINCHR says EV growth in Malaysia depends on charging rollouts, and it is working with local partner Swift Bridge Technologies to develop infrastructure standards and products. Coastal Cleanup: OSK Group launched “Comb the Coast, Combat the Waste” at Pantai Balok, Kuantan, using structured beach cleaning and waste tracking to tackle marine litter and support sustainable tourism.

Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood Disaster: Rescue teams are racing to find hundreds missing after avalanche-triggered flash floods and landslides on the Nepal-Tibet border killed at least 160, with officials warning the toll could rise; Nepal police reported 157 bodies recovered while China mobilised nearly 800 emergency workers, and many missing are foreign tourists, including large numbers of Indians, Britons, Australians, Canadians, Irish and New Zealanders. Malaysia ASEAN Green Jobs: Malaysia will lead the ASEAN green jobs agenda for 2026-2030, pushing a just, inclusive transition so workers gain skills for new green economy roles. Haze Health Warnings: Malaysia’s pharmacists urged the public—especially children, elderly, pregnant women and people with asthma or chronic conditions—to reduce outdoor exposure and use proper masks as haze worsens. Sarawak Drought Response: Sarawak plans a special monitoring team and is assessing cloud seeding options to support dam water levels ahead of a prolonged hot, dry spell. Airport Advertising Overhaul: Malaysia Airports launched an RFI to make airport advertising more data-driven and digitally integrated across its network. Heritage Tourism in Penang: A feature highlights how George Town’s UNESCO heritage management keeps local residents and businesses in the historic core, avoiding a “theme park” feel.

Haze Health Alert: Malaysia’s MOH says it will boost manpower, monitoring and facilities as haze worsens, with about 30 areas reporting unhealthy API readings and warnings for children, pregnant women, the elderly and high-risk groups to wear masks and avoid outdoor activity. Air Quality Watch: ASMC reports unhealthy to very unhealthy air across parts of western Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, with winds likely to spread smoke further if dry conditions persist. Early Warning Push: UniSZA experts urge Malaysia to move from crisis response to an early haze warning system to cut respiratory illness spikes. Sarawak Water Planning: Sarawak’s disaster committee will monitor declining water levels and may use cloud seeding between Sept 3–5, with conditions to be reviewed Sept 1. Transboundary Disaster Reminder: Nepal flash floods after an avalanche of ice and rock killed at least 8 and left 384 tourists missing, including 17 Malaysians, highlighting the growing climate-linked risk of extreme events.