In recent years, the Asean region has been engulfed by a suffocating haze, turning once-pristine landscapes into blurry silhouettes and threatening the lives of millions.
This is no longer just an environmental issue – it is an escalating crisis that endangers public health, destabilises economies, and disrupts ecosystems. Each season, as the haze rolls in with toxic familiarity, it becomes painfully clear that this recurring nightmare demands more than empty pledges and half-hearted political will. What is needed now is an aggressive, concerted effort from all member states.
Root causes – agricultural practices under fire
The roots of this crisis lie in outdated agricultural practices, particularly open burning to clear vast tracts of land for palm oil plantations. Despite frameworks such as the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and the Asean Haze-Free Roadmap, their effectiveness remains questionable. Initiatives like Indonesia’s Peatland Restoration Agency and Malaysia’s National Haze Action Plan were launched with promise but have often faltered amid wavering political resolve and conflicting national interests. Consequently, communities continue to suffer, gasping for clean air, while governments remain trapped in a loop of inaction.
Breaking the cycle – the need for unity
Fighting fire with fire has proven futile. Asean’s long-held policy of non-interference – once its greatest strength – has become a double-edged sword, hampering swift, collective responses when one nation’s actions endanger its neighbours. The absence of enforcement mechanisms allows harmful practices to persist, forcing others to bear the brunt of cross-border pollution. While socio-economic differences among member states are real, they cannot continue to serve as excuses for inaction. This complacency must end.
A call for immediate and decisive action
Change is not just necessary – it is imperative. Asean leaders must re-evaluate their commitments and strengthen the agreements meant to guide their actions. This is not about face-saving diplomacy; it is about forging a united front rooted in accountability. The time for waiting has passed. What is needed are decisive strategies and transparent monitoring systems that compel all nations to act responsibly.
Embracing a new approach – evolving Asean cooperation
Asean must move beyond outdated principles and adopt a proactive approach to transboundary issues. Mutual assistance mechanisms should be established to enable member states to respond collectively during severe haze events, without fear of diplomatic repercussions. A coordinated regional response is crucial. The strength of Asean lies in its unity – not in hiding behind sovereignty when lives and livelihoods are at stake.
Harnessing technology – innovation as a tool for change
Technology offers unprecedented opportunities. Singapore has shown how satellite imaging can swiftly identify haze sources, setting an example for others to follow. Asean nations must invest in similar technologies and ensure real-time data sharing becomes standard practice. Rapid access to accurate information will enable immediate, effective responses before conditions spiral out of control.
Grassroots empowerment – mobilising communities for sustainable practices
Grassroots involvement is just as vital. Local communities must not only be informed but also empowered to champion sustainable practices. Educational campaigns should ignite a grassroots movement that promotes non-burning land-clearing methods. Supporting and equipping farmers to adopt alternative techniques is no longer optional – it is an obligation if the region is to win the war against haze pollution.
Funding the future – financial mechanisms for sustainable change
Funding remains a crucial piece of the puzzle. Innovative financial mechanisms must be created to help farmers transition away from burning. Asean governments should pursue public–private partnerships to drive transformative innovation and ensure that resources are channelled into sustainable agricultural practices. The era of piecemeal solutions is over – only full-scale, coordinated commitment will bring lasting change.
Aligning goals – uniting against climate change
The fight against haze pollution cannot be separated from the broader battle against climate change. Strategies for carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation must be integrated into regional haze management. Asean should seek international support and funding to align its local efforts with global environmental goals.
Learning from others – global inspiration for regional action
Valuable lessons can be drawn from the European Union’s strong environmental frameworks and rigorous monitoring systems. Asean should emulate these models by implementing binding agreements with enforceable air quality standards. Public engagement must also be woven into policy-making so that citizens understand their role in building a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
A collective future – together against the haze
The haze that lingers over Asean is more than a seasonal nuisance – it is a call to action. Member states must rise to this challenge with unity and determination. There is no room for complacency or delay. A haze-free future depends on collective, relentless effort. The region must push harder, forge stronger alliances, and commit to strategies that deliver real results. It is time to clear the air – for our health, our economies, and our planet. Together, we can make the haze a distant memory and reclaim the bright, clear skies that once defined our region.
First Admiral Ts. Hassan Zainudin is a serving member of the Royal Malaysian Navy and is currently attending the National Resilience Course at PUSPAHANAS Putrajaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
