This includes preventive measures, national preparedness and continuous monitoring, in line with the principles of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP).

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said all member states needed to strengthen control measures and preparedness by closely monitoring high-risk areas, enhancing hotspot surveillance, enforcing the ban on open burning and ensuring efficient firefighting readiness.

He said Malaysia’s position was conveyed in an official message to Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn yesterday.

Arthur said that although fire incidents remained under control within the respective borders of member states, the risk of transboundary haze called for collective preparedness and heightened vigilance at the regional level.

“The implementation of early interventions, accurate information exchange and close regional coordination are fundamental elements in addressing the haze issue effectively,” he said in a statement today.

He said monitoring of current weather developments showed that prolonged dry conditions in southern areas of the Asean region had resulted in an increase in hotspot activity and haze.

“This situation risks becoming more widespread as the El Nino phenomenon is expected to gradually strengthen over the coming months,” he said.

Arthur said Malaysia also welcomed the proactive role of the Asean Secretariat as the Interim Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) in facilitating information dissemination, coordinating preparedness measures among member states and strengthening cooperation mechanisms under the AATHP.

“Malaysia is confident that the strong commitment and proactive actions of all Asean member states will enhance regional resilience in confronting climate challenges, while safeguarding a sustainable, prosperous and haze-free environment for the well-being of present and future generations,” he said.