Singapore, 23 June 2008
Environment Ministers or their representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand met at the Fifth Meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution on 23 June 2008 in Singapore.
The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) reported that the La Nina phenomenon, which began in August 2007, has given way to neutral conditions in June 2008. Hence, as the Southwest Monsoon strengthens and prevails, the southern ASEAN region can expect drier weather in the next three months as compared to the same period last year. Over the next few months, increased hotspot activities may occur in the fire-prone areas of Sumatra, Peninsula Malaysia and Borneo, particularly during extended periods of dry weather.
The Ministers agreed that the relevant national agencies shall remain vigilant and take all necessary proactive measures to prevent and mitigate land and forest fires. They also agreed to continue supporting each other.
The Ministers appreciated Indonesia’s efforts in implementing its Plan of Action (PoA) in Dealing with Transboundary Haze Pollution and to prepare for the coming dry season. Reaffirming its commitment to reduce hotspots in 2008 by 50% as compared to 2006, Indonesia will further strengthen its action programmes to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of land and forest fires. Among others a simulation exercise on forest and land fire control will be jointly organised by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Environment in Central Kalimantan Province in July 2008. The Ministry of Environment, Indonesia has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on sustainable management of peatlands with the Governor of Riau and Heads of fire-prone districts in Riau Province.
The Ministers noted the significant progress of collaboration between the governments of Indonesia and Singapore for Muaro Jambi Regency in implementing selected action programmes under the Jambi Master Plan. Indonesia and Singapore will be exploring two new action programmes focusing on capacity building for alternative livelihoods, and peatland management.
The Ministers noted that the MoU for collaboration between the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia in Riau Province was signed on 3 June 2008. The immediate action programmes to be carried out in Riau Province include capacity building on zero burning techniques for various stakeholders including community leaders and farmers, fire-fighting training for the Masyarakat Peduli Api (community fire-fighting units), and installation of air quality monitoring station in Bagan Siapi-api, Rokan Hilir Regency. The action programmes will commence in July 2008.
The Ministers are scheduled to meet again in October 2008 in Phuket, Thailand.
