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REGIONAL haze, including pollution emanating from parts of Kalimantan, is expected to feature prominently in a one-to-one meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as Malaysia and Brunei hold their 27th Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC).
Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Datuk Mohd Aini Atan said the haze was among current issues of mutual concern, particularly given its impact on Malaysia, with Sarawak already experiencing the effects of deteriorating air quality because of its proximity to Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“With the presence of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the meeting, certainly I feel that the issue may inevitably be discussed. However, it is up to the two leaders,” he told a media briefing ahead of Anwar’s working visit to Brunei on Aug 21 and 22 for the 27th Malaysia-Brunei ALC Bandar Seri Begawan on Thursday.
The meeting is expected to give both leaders an opportunity to address regional developments affecting their respective countries while also taking stock of longstanding bilateral concerns.
Mohd Aini said land border and security issues were also expected to remain on the agenda, particularly with the participation of the Sabah and Sarawak leaders.
He said the issues had long formed part of Malaysia-Brunei discussions and would continue to be addressed until outstanding matters were resolved.
“This issue will indeed be discussed indirectly because it is an ongoing issue. It has been discussed and will continue to be discussed until it can be resolved,” he said.
Anwar will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, and Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man.
The ALC serves as the highest-level bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Brunei, providing a platform to review progress in bilateral relations and cooperation while exchanging views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Mohd Aini said the close relationship between Malaysia and Brunei, established in 1984, was underpinned by shared history, the Malay Sultanate institution, Islam, cultural ties and strong family connections.
As part of Anwar’s visit, the two countries are also scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster management cooperation, with the agreement to be witnessed by Anwar and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Mohamad will also co-chair the 27th Malaysia-Brunei Exchange of Letters (EOL) Implementation Meeting with Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Setia Erywan Mohd Yusof tomorrow.
The meeting will review progress in bilateral cooperation and discuss the implementation of agreements reached during the 26th ALC in Putrajaya last year.
On bilateral trade, Mohd Aini said total trade between Malaysia and Brunei reached RM5.86 billion (US$1.37 billion) in 2025.
“Total exports to Brunei in 2025 were valued at RM4.20 billion (US$0.98 billion), while total imports from Brunei were valued at RM1.66 billion (US$0.39 billion). For the period from January to June 2026, total trade between the two countries reached RM2.38 billion (US$0.6 billion).
“This shows that bilateral economic and trade activity between Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam remains strong and resilient,” he said. - August 21, 2026
