M'sia wants more serious commitment from Indonesia to combat haze - Ahmad Zahid

Malaysia wants Indonesia to give more serious commitment in combating haze as the problem is recurring every year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said despite the leadership and people of Indonesia appearing to be concerned on the situation, it was insufficient to resolve the issue.

"In this regard, we would be very thankful if Indonesia could discuss with its partners in ASEAN on taking long term measures.

"We hope its commitment is not only on paper or mere statements pleasant to the ears, but through implementation which could end all haze problems," he told reporters after launching a U-TURN programme here, today.

The programme produced by the Home Ministry with the cooperation of Al-Hijrah TV is aimed enabling the community to be exposed to the effectiveness of the parole system for prisoners, families and the community.

The programme, a 13-episode talk show based on a magazine concept, will be aired each Sunday at 9.30 am starting on Oct 11.

In another development, Ahmad Zahid said the parole system had helped to reduce the rate of repeat criminals by 7.6 per cent this year.

He said this was the best success as the prison was not just a place for punishment but more for rehabilitation.

"The parole system gives prisoners a second chance to mingle with the community so that they are not viewed negatively by the people.

"Apart from the police, the system is conducted with the cooperation of several corporate bodies as well as missionaries to rehabilitate convicts," he said.

According to the parole system, prisoners can choose two approaches of either living with the family while being rehabilitated or live in prison based on the parole release, to reduce the cost of prison expenditure.