Town Hall session with NERCC: Highlights and points to take note of

Recently CoolESG went to the Town Hall YB Menteri NRECC session whereby the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced the upcoming presentation of the transboundary haze policy paper to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Environment, Science, and Plantation in the first half of 2024. Feedbacks are given to detailedly explain concerns and challenges in implementing such policies. Here are key takeaways:

1. Parliamentary Action: The policy paper is set to undergo scrutiny and discussions within the parliamentary framework, emphasizing the government's commitment to address environmental challenges through legislative channels.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: The recently held town hall session showcased a proactive approach, involving stakeholders and gathering valuable suggestions. This collaborative effort aims to incorporate diverse perspectives into the policy-making process.
3. El Nino and Haze Management: Minister Nik Nazmi acknowledges the impact of El Nino and the recurring haze issues. By addressing these concerns in Parliament, the government aims to provide comprehensive solutions and demonstrate responsiveness to citizens' worries.
4. Rehabilitation and Empowerment over Shaming Businesses and Smallholder Farmers: During the town hall session, a member of the audience emphasized the crucial role of trust-building among ASEAN nations to facilitate positive change within the palm oil industry. Rather than resorting to punitive measures such as fines, and detentions of company directors, the focus should be on empowering and creating incentives that help transition away from unethical practices.In alignment with this sentiment, the minister underscored the importance of adhering to proper channels, recognizing the intricacies of the cross-border issue involving Indonesia. He emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts, not only with the neighboring countries but also with the companies involved. These collaborative endeavors are fundamental for fostering meaningful discussions and implementing effective actions that address the root causes of unsustainable practices in the palm oil industry.
5. Importance of Data Disclosure: Minister Nik Nazmi echoed the significance of data disclosure, emphasizing that having accurate and transparent information is crucial in addressing the transboundary haze issue effectively. This stance reflects the government's commitment to obtaining comprehensive data for informed decision-making. However, the use of data to shame directors violated the trust between stakeholders and has undone years of relationship-building between many players in the ecosystem
6. Public Concerns Addressed: Minister Nik Nazmi's acknowledgment of continued public concerns reinforces the government's dedication to finding a lasting solution. The town hall session serves as a platform for citizens to voice concerns, fostering transparency and accountability.
7. Promoting Traceability and Transparency in Land Purchases: Bee Yin Yeo , former science, technology, and innovation minister advocated for increased transparency in Malaysian companies' land purchases in Indonesia, arguing that Malaysian and International companies may be purchasing land that has undergone slash-and-burn practices. The policy seeks to bridge the information gap by ensuring that companies provide clarity on the state of the land at the time of purchase. It also improves the traceability of palm oil products in the supply chain in response to the recent transition risks surrounding palm oil products from other regions, primarily EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR)Overall the government's multifaceted approach, involving parliamentary processes, stakeholder engagement, and responsive actions, signifies a positive stride towards resolving the transboundary haze issue. What are your thoughts on this topic? Let me know in the comments below. ???? #EnvironmentalSustainability #TransboundaryHaze #PolicyUpdate #GovernmentAction #StakeholderEngagement #ClimateResilience