![[Bernama] Southern ASEAN Haze Highlights Need For Stronger Firefighting Cooperation — SIIA](https://siiaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/haze.webp)
The current transboundary haze situation is a test of ASEAN’s preparedness and an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation, SIIA Chairman Mr Simon Tay said in comments reported by Bernama.
Mr Tay highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation to tackle fires in hotspot areas, alongside improved information-sharing and coordination of firefighting efforts. While ASEAN has made progress in hotspot monitoring and scientific data-sharing, he noted that closer cooperation will be increasingly important as the region faces hotter and drier conditions.
He also highlighted the role of the newly established ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC), expressing hope that the current haze situation would provide impetus to finalise implementation arrangements and make the centre fully operational.
Looking beyond the current dry season, Mr Tay underscored the need for sustained regional action and adequate financing for haze prevention. He noted Malaysia’s proposals at the sub-regional ASEAN ministerial meeting on haze in July for greater use of “science diplomacy” and a new Sustainable Haze Fund to strengthen regional cooperation and financing.
With climate change expected to bring hotter and drier conditions to the region, strengthening ASEAN’s capacity to prevent and respond to transboundary haze will require sustained cooperation beyond any single haze episode or dry season.
Read the full article: https://asean.bernama.com/news.php?id=2600533
