Choking haze blankets Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Businesses in the Southeast Asian region suffer damages amounting to millions of USD as a consequence of haze pollution over the past month, according to a joint statement by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KADIN).
Forest fires in Indonesia lies at the root of the issue, which has adversely affected large expanses of the nation and the neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore.
The Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commercial and Industry (SCCCI) representing more than 40,000 companies also reported that local small- and medium-sized enterprises have posted earning losses between ten and 30 percent due to trans-border smoke.
Singaporean Kranji farm Bollywood Veggies said they have had to cancel 80 percent of outdoor events, thus some workers here are at risk of losing their jobs if the situation fails to improve. Meanwhile, Adventure Paddlers, a water sports company, saw 60 customers called off their tours resulting in a 60-percent revenue reduction in the last two week.
According to SCCCI Chairman Thomas Chua Kee Seng, his agency is calculating specific damages from its business members and seeking governmental support.
He said a careful assessment is needed for the Government to devise a long-term solution, given that the haze is not new and likely to happen again next year.
SCCCI has thus far drafted two letters to Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts, urging them to relay the business plight to their respective governments.
They also demanded Indonesia’s agricultural sector embrace sustainable practices and not burn forest.-VNA
Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has sent warning notices to four Indonesian companies, which were determined to cause the current haze pollution in Singapore.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on September 30 that his country needs three years to completely put an end to forest fires which have been occurring more frequently in recent years.
Singapore has required seven major retailers to make it known to customers which wooden, paper and pulp products are made in a sustainable fashion as part of efforts to end the chronic haze pollution.
Indonesia has accepted Singapore's offer for a haze assistance package to deal with forest fires, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said on October 7.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Choking haze blankets Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
