Representatives to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights from Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand have called for stronger collaborative action among the bloc’s members to mitigate transboundary haze and prevent it from occurring again in future.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Shashi Jayakumar of Singapore, Mr Eric Paulsen of Malaysia, Ambassador Hla Myint of Myanmar and Dr Amara Pongsapich of Thailand said once again, transboundary haze this year had an adverse effect on people in South-east Asia.

“We call upon Asean and all member states to recognise that this is a long-term and regional issue, which must be taken seriously to prevent further harm to our environment, economy, and the health and human rights of Asean citizens,” the statement said.