Kuala Lampur, Oct. 9 -- South-east Asia has lived with transboundary haze for far too long.

What was once regarded as an occasional environmental disturbance has become a recurring threat to public health, economic productivity, regional diplomacy and, increasingly, the credibility of Asean itself.

The time has come for Asean to treat haze not merely as an environmental problem but as a matter of regional security requiring sheer haste.

The distinction is important. Environmental problems are often approached through lengthy consultations, technical assessments and carefully negotiated agreements.

Security threats, however, demand preparedness, rapid responses and sustained political attention.

Haze belongs increasingly to the latter...