Singapore strengthens haze law with tougher penalties and broader powers to tackle repeat offenders
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Amended provisions to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act introduce much larger fines, civil penalties and expanded investigatory powers, while experts say effective enforcement, regional cooperation and access to evidence are still necessary to protect Singapore from irresponsible actors.
Singapore passed amendments to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on Nov. 4, raising fines for companies linked to forest fires that cause haze to as much as S$20 million and introducing a civil penalty framework with penalties up to S$10 million. The changes also give authorities the power to designate firms or individuals, restrict business dealings with them, and allow criminal trials in the absence of the accused.
"The amendments strengthen the tools available to Singapore to act against errant companies," said Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs. He noted that agencies can now investigate, punish and order companies to prevent fires, giving the state far stronger leverage against those that fail to act responsibly.
Legal scholars said the new powers could improve evidence-gathering and increase commercial consequences for firms with Singaporean ties. "I am cautiously optimistic," said Sean Tseng, an adjunct senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore, adding that the law creates "very real commercial consequences" for irresponsible burning and sends a clear warning that neglect will carry a serious price.
Associate Professor Michelle Lim of Singapore Management University highlighted that the reforms target long-standing challenges in collecting overseas evidence, but warned that prevention requires broader measures, such as protecting peatland ecosystems and engaging indigenous knowledge, alongside firm legal deterrence.
Critics pointed out that Singapore’s jurisdiction remains limited; the law cannot compel investigations on foreign soil or reach companies without substantial Singaporean connections. "These issues are inherent in seeking to address a transboundary environmental issue," Tseng said, emphasizing that cross-border pollution still demands practical tools and disciplined enforcement.
Experts agreed that legislation alone will not eliminate haze. Cooperation within ASEAN, especially with Indonesia, and stronger regional information-sharing were described as essential for lasting progress. "The amended framework provides stronger legal tools, but lasting progress will depend on aligning enforcement with responsible business practices, environmental protection and regional cooperation," Razwana Begum of the Singapore University of Social Sciences said.