Malaysia urges ASEAN to strengthen haze prevention through science, coordination, and sustainable funding.
Malaysia is calling for a more structured regional response to transboundary haze, proposing stronger use of scientific evidence and reliable long-term financing as ASEAN works to improve prevention and coordination.
Malaysia Proposes Science Diplomacy
Malaysia has proposed a science-driven framework known as Science Diplomacy under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, or AATHP. Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the approach would allow ASEAN countries to jointly use scientific data, research, and expertise to support coordinated policies and operational decisions on transboundary haze.
Sustainable Haze Fund Suggested
Malaysia also proposed a Sustainable Haze Fund to provide continuous financing for monitoring, fire prevention, research, and haze-control activities. Arthur said the fund would provide continuous financing for long-term haze-mitigation efforts.
ASEAN Secretariat Asked to Study Proposals
The proposals were presented at the 27th Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution meeting in Bali. According to Arthur, the meeting agreed that the ASEAN Secretariat should study the feasibility of Science Diplomacy and explore options to increase contributions to and use of the existing ASEAN Haze Fund under the AATHP.
Indonesia Prepares Regional Coordination Centre
ASEAN is also moving toward establishing the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, or ACC THPC. Arthur said all 11 ASEAN member states had agreed on the need for a dedicated coordination centre. Indonesia, as host country, is preparing a host country agreement, standard operating procedures, rules and procedures, a business plan, and work programs, and has proposed leading the centre’s initial phase, including appointing an Indonesian national as its first executive director.
Malaysia Plans Stronger Position in Vietnam
Arthur said Malaysia would present a stronger position on haze management at the Committee Meeting and Conference of the Parties to the AATHP in Vietnam this November. He stressed that the agreement relies on cooperation, national sovereignty, mutual respect, and consensus rather than punitive measures, while each member state remains responsible for preventing and controlling fires within its borders.
For Indonesians, the proposals are directly relevant because Indonesia is preparing to host and initially lead ASEAN’s dedicated haze coordination centre. For Singaporeans, Malaysia’s push for stronger science-based cooperation and sustained regional funding concerns the broader ASEAN framework used to address transboundary haze affecting neighboring countries.
Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , Asia One (2026)
Keywords: ASEAN Transboundary Haze, Malaysia Haze Proposal, Science Diplomacy, Sustainable Haze Fund, ASEAN Haze Fund, Regional Haze Cooperation
