Singapore to push for stronger action against haze as 2027 ASEAN chair

SINGAPORE: Singapore will work with other ASEAN states to strengthen the implementation of the region’s transboundary haze agreement as it assumes the bloc’s chairmanship in 2027, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on Tuesday (Nov 3). 

Responding to parliamentary questions on the ongoing haze pollution in parliament on Tuesday, Ms Fu said some member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have indicated they will raise the transboundary haze issue at upcoming regional meetings. 

“Singapore will support these discussions, and share how we intend to act against companies responsible for the haze,” she added. 

As incoming ASEAN chair, Singapore will also work towards establishing a coordinating centre in Indonesia to strengthen cooperation and coordination in managing the fires and transboundary haze, said Ms Fu. The centre will come into force only after six member states ratify the agreement to establish it.

“Singapore will submit our instrument of ratification for the establishment agreement in the next few days, and we will strongly encourage other ASEAN member states to do so,” said Ms Fu. 

The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, adopted in 2002, is the region’s first legally binding pact dedicated to the issue.

Malaysia recently urged the regional bloc to revisit the pact, while Singapore and Indonesia announced on Oct 27 a joint task force to probe firms linked to forest fires.