Tourism organisations of the ASEAN countries say smoke haze across Southeast Asia has cleared after rains dampened forest fires in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

A joint statement said the showers had helped to contain the spread of fires in Indonesia's East Kalimantan province and northern Borneo.

However, forest fire experts have warned of a catastrophe if the fires flare up again in the coming dry season.

The haze has led to falling numbers of tourists to the region and endangered air and sea safety.

Many people also suffered health problems from air pollution.