The problem of smoke haze and air pollution is a critical environmental challenge not only for Myanmar but also for regional countries. Smoke haze pollution is, in fact, a form of air pollution. As it poses risks to all living beings, collective efforts with a national approach are required to control smoke haze and air pollution, not only in urban areas but also across transboundary border regions.
Smoke haze air pollution most commonly occurs in transboundary border areas. Each year, haze pollution is typically observed in border regions between January and May. As transboundary haze frequently affects neighbouring countries that share borders, joint efforts are being carried out with neighbouring countries to control and reduce haze pollution before and during the dry season.
According to reports from the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre based in Singapore regarding conditions that could lead to transboundary haze, Myanmar and other countries in the northern ASEAN region, particularly the Mekong subregion, have reached Alert Level 3 for fire hotspots and haze occurrence starting from 27 March 2026. It has been noted that dry weather conditions continue to persist in the Mekong region, and the number of fire hotspots and haze incidents may increase further. Based on satellite monitoring, fire hotspots were widely observed across Myanmar and Laos within the Mekong region on 25 and 26 March.
Dry conditions are forecast to prevail across most parts of the Mekong subregion in the coming week, and the situation of fire hotspots and haze may worsen, with an increased risk of transboundary haze within the Mekong region. To address the current transboundary haze pollution along the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, measures are being undertaken at the national level through the formation of environmental conservation committees, bilateral joint response committees, and region- and state-level task forces.
In those areas, coordinated preventive measures must be taken to avoid further outbreaks of fires, including vigilance against spontaneous forest fires. Local organizations are required to carry out advanced awareness activities to prevent slash-and-burn practices, the burning of crop residues, and forest fires. Efforts must also be made to achieve the targeted reduction set for this year.
Therefore, as air pollution and smoke haze can have significant impacts on the environment, people living in urban and border areas need to consciously reduce activities that cause air pollution and haze. It is necessary for the public to cooperate with the State and participate collectively in a national effort to address and mitigate these issues.
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