Singapore strengthens haze law with higher fines and broader enforcement powers
Amended provisions to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act introduce larger penalties, civil penalties and new investigatory powers, but experts say enforcement, regional cooperation and evidence access remain critical.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.