Indonesia's Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa said that the country has been succeeding to reduce haze caused by forest fires that often occur in the nation.

"In the last four years, we have been successful in reducing haze due to forest fire. After the most serious haze incident in 2006, we worked hard to reduce it," said Natalegawa.

Natalegawa made the statement before reporters following a talk with his Singaporean counterpart George Yeo who had expressed his concern about the haze from Indonesia.

According to Natalegawa, the haze does not only affect Singapore, but also other neighboring countries.

Thick haze blanketing the sky of the Johore State in Malaysia has resulted in schools closure in the districts of Muar and Ledang on Thursday, affecting at least 200 schools.

Malaysian Foreign Affairs Minister Anifah Aman said Thursday that Malaysia will work closely with Indonesia if necessary to help curb the haze.

Natalegawa stressed the need of mutual cooperation between countries to handle the problem.

"Now, haze has returned and I think we have to work hard hand- in-hand to address the issue," said Natalegawa.