Malaysian FM calls on ASEAN to combat global warming

KUALA LUMPUR (AP) - Malaysia's foreign minister called on Southeast Asian nations on Friday to take firm steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to fight global warming.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said global warming could greatly harm the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which together have one of the world's longest coastlines.

"ASEAN needs to be proactive in implementing its policies to combat greenhouse gases," he said. "If we don't act now ... the effects of global warming will no doubt impact us greatly in both geographical as well as economical (terms)."

Southeast Asia collectively ranks third highest in greenhouse gas emissions among developing countries after China and India, Syed Hamid said.

He said Asian foreign ministers had discussed climate change at their annual meeting in Manila, which wrapped up early this month, calling for a concerted effort to address the challenge.

Syed Hamid, who was speaking on the future of the 10-member group, did not give any specific measures.

ASEAN, which was founded in 1967, consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.