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

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is closely monitoring the haze situation by gathering information on fire hotspots, their sources, and their impact on air quality in Singapore. According to Channel News Asia, the agency did not specify if it is considering taking action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act regarding the current haze.

The NEA noted that investigations into four Indonesian companies—PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Woods Industries, and PT Rimba Hutani Mas—remain ongoing following the issuance of legal notices to six companies in 2015.

The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, enacted in 2014, allows authorities to take legal action against companies responsible for causing or contributing to haze pollution in Singapore, even if the activities occur overseas. The Business Times - Singapore reports that the law targets those responsible for causing or condoning fires if the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remains in the unhealthy range—defined as levels of 101 and above—for 24 hours or more.

Authorities use satellite information, meteorological data, and wind speed and direction to determine if smoke is likely to move toward Singapore.

Those found guilty under the Act can be fined up to S$100,000 per day, with total fines capped at S$2 million. An NEA spokeswoman stated that regional cooperation within ASEAN remains crucial for resolving transboundary haze.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore, Channel News Asia, The Business Times - Singapore — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.