Singapore plans to reinforce its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act after a decade without any prosecutions under the law, introducing stricter legal provisions to tackle companies suspected of causing haze.
- No prosecutions under haze law since 2014 enactment
- New legal amendments to compel cooperation from companies
- Specialist panel to investigate firms linked to haze pollution
What happened
Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), established in 2014 to address haze originating largely from Indonesian forest fires, has not yet resulted in any prosecutions of companies or directors. This lack of legal action has sparked public and expert scrutiny over whether the law is sufficiently enforceable. Recently, haze episodes affected the region again, prompting the government to take a more proactive stance.
Authorities have issued 26 notices under the Act since its inception, including 20 notices this year alone, with notices sent in October to ten Singaporean firms for the first time. While some cases from 2015 remain active, officials face hurdles in securing evidence and cooperation across borders due to legal and practical constraints. To address these challenges, Singapore plans to introduce amendments in the upcoming parliamentary session to strengthen enforcement and create a specialist assessment panel.
Why it feels good
This move reflects a firm commitment by Singapore to protect its environment and public health by holding companies accountable for their role in haze pollution. It showcases a proactive approach that goes beyond waiting for prosecutions, embracing investigation and regulation to influence positive corporate behaviour regionally.
By establishing a specialist panel with legal and cross-border expertise, Singapore signals it is ready to navigate complex international investigations efficiently. The new law will empower authorities to require companies to cooperate fully and appoint independent assessors for thorough scrutiny, which should enhance transparency and deter future wrongdoing in haze-related activities.
What to enjoy or watch next
Keep an eye on the parliamentary session in November where Singapore will table the amendments to the haze law. The success of these changes will depend on how effectively the new legal tools can be implemented and whether they yield tangible cooperation from companies linked to haze activities.
Beyond legal updates, watch how Singapore and regional partners may collaborate further in tackling cross-border haze pollution. This evolving approach could serve as a model in environmental governance, balancing firm action with diplomatic sensitivity to protect air quality and public well-being.