Transboundary haze, arising from burning in regions where forests are cleared to make way for plantations, has had a significant adverse impact on the regional economy, livelihoods and the environment. Haze pollution in Southeast Asia has negatively impacted not only Kalimantan and Sumatra in Indonesia where major hotspots are located, but also Singapore and large parts of Malaysia. The haze has even spread to Brunei and Thailand. Although members of ASEAN have made collaborative efforts to tackle forest fires, the recurrence of the haze remains a complex problem faced by the region today.

This special report examines the complex issues behind regional haze pollution. It reviews the Singapore Institute of International Affairs’ (SIIA) work on the haze, including a summary of events and published commentaries, and suggests ways to tackle the haze in the broader context of sustainable resource development on the ground.