NEA tracking haze hotspots and sources as earlier investigations under Transboundary Haze Pollution Act continue

The National Environment Agency (NEA) in Singapore is actively monitoring and investigating the ongoing haze situation, which has been attributed to fires in Indonesia. The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, enacted in 2014, allows Singapore authorities to take legal action against companies responsible for causing or contributing to haze pollution, even if their activities occur overseas.

In 2015, NEA identified fires on concession lands associated with six Indonesian companies and issued legal notices to all six under the Act. Investigations into four of these Indonesian companies remain ongoing, but NEA is unable to disclose further details at this time. Companies found guilty of causing or contributing to haze pollution can face fines of up to S$2 million per day, while individuals and businesses in Singapore can also pursue civil claims for personal injury, property damage, or economic losses.

However, enforcement can be challenging due to difficulties in identifying responsible companies and obtaining evidence across national borders.

Brief written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.