In a bid to enhance regional efforts against transboundary haze pollution, Singapore plans to establish a regional coordinating centre during its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced this initiative in Parliament on November 3, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among ASEAN member states to combat the recurrent issue of haze, primarily caused by forest fires and land burning. The centre will be based in Indonesia, a key location given the history of haze originating from the area.
The proposed ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control aims to bolster regional cooperation in preventing forest fires and managing land burning. It requires ratification by at least six ASEAN member states to move forward. Singapore is set to complete its ratification soon and will encourage other ASEAN countries to do the same. Vietnam has already approved the establishment of the centre, submitting its ratification in mid-2026.
Singapore’s initiative comes in the wake of significant air pollution episodes in late 2026, when forest and plantation fires in Indonesia led to 18 days of unhealthy air quality in Singapore from October 5 to October 22. The Pollutant Standards Index reached a particularly high level of 230 in western Singapore on October 18. Despite Singapore’s offer of firefighting support and cloud seeding operations, Indonesia opted to address the situation independently. Minister Fu noted Singapore’s respect for Indonesia’s decision but underscored the importance of enhanced regional cooperation to prevent future incidents.
The coordinating centre is expected to facilitate the exchange of firefighting technology, expertise, and resources among ASEAN nations. It will also play a crucial role in coordinating emergency assistance during major forest and land fire incidents, thereby improving the collective response to haze-related challenges.
In addition to these regional efforts, Singapore has taken legal steps against companies suspected of contributing to the haze. Under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, legal notices have been issued to 10 Singapore-registered companies and 10 Indonesian companies. The government is preparing legislative changes to strengthen existing laws and ensure accountability for entities linked to illegal land and forest burning.
Overall, Singapore’s planned regional centre and legal actions represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the haze problem, emphasizing both preventive measures and accountability. The initiative highlights the critical need for regional cooperation and improved management practices to tackle the persistent issue of transboundary haze in Southeast Asia.