'Cannot play hide and seek': Singapore minister's warning over haze sends agricultural stocks lower

Senior Minister K Shanmugam warned on October 19 that the Singapore government will use every available legal and regulatory lever to confront companies linked to the region's haze. Speaking to reporters at Woodlands Checkpoint, Shanmugam stated that authorities will consider legal, regulatory, and economic measures to pressure firms, including impacts on their bottom lines, investor standing, and access to financing.

He noted that existing laws may be changed or new laws introduced urgently to ensure cooperation, adding that the matter will be pursued even after the haze clears.

Shanmugam cautioned companies against attempting to deny responsibility or avoid scrutiny through "greenwashing." According to CNBC and CNBC World, the Singapore Exchange has questioned seven firms regarding their operations and potential links to the haze. The Senior Minister emphasized that the government will consider all evidence fairly and act based on the facts.

Brief written by urgent.news from CNBC, CNBC World, The Business Times - Companies & Markets — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.