The leaders of the ASEAN are under pressure once again to tackle the growing problem of transboundary haze from forest and land fires in Indonesia to neighboring countries. The smoke pollution has affected daily life in both countries, leaving people to worry about the impact on their health and the cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia. The ASEAN Haze Crisis is likely to be a part of diplomacy before the next summit of the bloc in November 2026 in Manila.
ASEAN Haze Crisis Intensifies Regional Pressure
The foreign ministers of Southeast Asian countries will hold talks on cross-border haze before November’s summit, according to Reuters. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has said that they should work better together, while the Philippines, chair of the ASEAN, has said the topic is on the agenda.
Indonesian Forest Fires Affect Singapore and Malaysia
The long-lasting fires on Sumatra and Borneo have created thick smoke in neighbouring countries. Schools in several Malaysian states were temporarily closed due to high levels of pollution. Singapore has also seen its air quality getting worse, bringing back the worry about respiratory diseases and the sensitive population.
ASEAN Weather Forecast Warns of Continued Haze
Below-normal rainfall is forecast over most of the Maritime Continent for October 2026 from the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC). If El Niño conditions continue to strengthen, then the dry conditions and fire hazards will likely persist, but with the improvement of rainfall towards the end of October, some relief may be seen.
Regional Cooperation Faces Tough Questions
In 2002, ASEAN signed an Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, however, the frequent occurrence of haze poses enforcement challenges. Governments are being called to improve fire prevention, increase peat protection, provide satellite surveillance, and provide multi-national fire fighting assistance.
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