AI tracking, no-burn policies: How SGX-listed plantation firms are responding to haze

All eight Singapore-listed agribusiness companies responded to queries from Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) about their potential links to forest fires and transboundary haze in Indonesia. These firms include Wilmar International, First Resources, Golden Agri-Resources, Olam, TSH Resources, Bumitama Agri, Indofood Agri Resources, and Kencana Agri.

Wilmar International stated that it has not undertaken any new oil palm planting in Indonesia since 2013 and strictly prohibits the use of fire for land clearing. First Resources acknowledged detecting hotspots near its concessions in West Kalimantan but maintained that most fires were outside its operational boundaries. Golden Agri-Resources claimed it had no knowledge of contributing to the haze and strictly adheres to a "zero burning policy" since 1997.

Olam stated that it has no direct plantation operational exposure to the fires and is unaware of any formal regulatory inquiries. Bumitama Agri also found no evidence linking its operations to the fires and maintains a strict zero-burning policy. TSH Resources reported detecting 274 hotspots within its estate boundaries but claimed none occurred within its planted or operational areas.

Indofood Agri Resources mentioned detecting small-scale hotspots and immediately addressing them, while Kencana Agri reported fires within its concessions in North and East Kalimantan, attributing their spread to adjacent areas. These firms collectively reported losses ranging from 3.7% to 21.5% in shares since the haze began affecting Singapore.