In an askST article in The Straits Times (24 October 2026) on the recurring challenge of transboundary haze, SIIA Chairman Simon Tay commented on ASEAN’s role in strengthening regional efforts to tackle the problem.
He noted that ASEAN has made progress in monitoring haze and sharing information, but that domestic enforcement remains crucial.
While ASEAN-wide cooperation remains important, Simon said countries need not move at the same pace. “Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia can deepen practical cooperation, especially in the most fire-prone areas,” he said, including on enforcement, land management, peatland protection and incentives for companies and communities to prevent fires.
He also stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation: “The smoke crosses borders. Cooperation in investigating responsibility should do so too.”
Read the article: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/askst-why-has-asean-struggled-to-tackle-haze-and-what-can-countries-do-about-it
