In response to the recurring issue of transboundary haze pollution, Singapore is set to spearhead the creation of a regional coordinating centre during its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship. This initiative, announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu in Parliament on November 3, aims to bolster regional collaboration in addressing the causes and management of forest fires and land burning, which are primary contributors to haze.
The proposed ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control will be located in Indonesia and is a key part of Singapore’s strategy to enhance cross-border air pollution management. To establish this centre, a minimum of six ASEAN member states need to ratify the agreement. Singapore is on track to complete its ratification process soon and is urging other nations to do the same. Vietnam has already approved the establishment of the centre, with its ratification expected by mid-2026.
The centre will serve as a hub for exchanging firefighting technologies, expertise, and resources among ASEAN countries, and will also coordinate emergency responses during major forest and land fire incidents. This initiative is particularly timely, given the recent haze episode where Indonesia’s forest fires resulted in 18 consecutive days of unhealthy air quality in Singapore, with the Pollutant Standards Index peaking at a very unhealthy level of 230 in western Singapore on October 18, 2026.
Despite Singapore’s offer of civilian assistance during these fires, including firefighting support and cloud seeding operations, Indonesia opted to manage the situation independently. Minister Grace Fu emphasized the importance of stronger regional cooperation to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, Singapore has taken legal action against companies suspected of contributing to transboundary haze, issuing notices to 10 Singapore-registered companies and 10 Indonesian companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
To further combat the issue, Singapore is preparing legislative changes to enhance accountability for companies linked to illegal land and forest burning. By establishing the regional coordinating centre and strengthening legal frameworks, Singapore aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of transboundary haze pollution and promote sustainable land and peatland management across the region.