REGARDING the situation of potential transboundary smoke haze, the ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC), based in Singapore, has downgraded its advisory level for the Mekong sub-region from Level 2 to Level 1, effective from 7 May 2026.
In addition, the centre stated that in the coming months, as the region transitions from the inter-monsoon period to the southwest monsoon, widespread rainfall is expected across the Mekong sub-region. Therefore, starting from 14 May, the advisory level for the Mekong sub-region will be downgraded from Level 1 to Level 0 (indicating the end of the dry season).
Every year in March, April, and May, smoke haze levels tend to rise due to intense heat. In years with hot and dry weather conditions, more fire hotspots are likely to occur. Fire hotspot occurrences in Myanmar from January to 16 May 2026 increased by one per cent compared to 2025, while they decreased by 11 per cent compared to 2024.
For the reduction of fire hotspots and the control of transboundary smoke haze pollution, priority areas should be designated based on the number and density of fire hotspots in the respective regions and states. In place of shifting cultivation, highland farming practices should be promoted. Other measures include producing fertilizer from agricultural waste, preventing the careless use of fire in forest areas, raising public awareness among local communities, monitoring fire hotspot conditions, measuring ambient air quality, establishing response plans in the event of smoke haze pollution, and conducting simulation drills. These activities should be carried out continuously.
In Myanmar, the annual number of fire hotspots averages between 37,000 and over 56,000. Fire hotspots caused by forest fires and land clearing for agriculture – commonly known as shifting cultivation and slash-and-burn practices – are most frequently found in Shan State and Sagaing Region. The number of fire hotspots in Myanmar was 51,091 in 2024 and 45,025 in 2025, representing a decrease of 6,066 cases, or 12 per cent. Efforts are currently underway with the target of reducing this figure by up to 20 per cent in 2026.
The issue of smoke haze and air pollution has become a very important environmental challenge in the region. Every country prioritizes ensuring that its citizens can live long, healthy lives free from illness. This issue cannot be addressed by a single country alone. As such, all neighbouring countries sharing borders with each other must actively cooperate and participate in joint efforts of prevention against fire hotspot issues.
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