Explainer: Are Malaysian-linked firms in trouble over Singapore's haze notices?
KUALA LUMPUR: Four companies with links to Malaysian-listed groups have been caught up in Singapore's efforts to tackle the haze that has lingered across the region for weeks.
Singapore has issued notices to four companies with connections to Malaysian-listed firms as part of efforts to tackle the haze plaguing the region. These notices do not imply responsibility for the fires in Indonesia, but rather require the companies to provide information about their land concessions, corporate relationships, and fire prevention measures in Indonesia.
Two of the firms are subsidiaries of TSH Resources Bhd listed on Bursa Malaysia, while Wilmar International Ltd, with a significant stake from Malaysia's PPB Group Bhd, is also included. The fourth company, Kencana Agri Ltd, has an indirect connection through Wilmar's stake. The notices are part of Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, which allows the country to seek information from companies regarding haze pollution caused by overseas fires.
While receiving a notice does not imply guilt, companies found responsible for pollution can face fines of up to S$2 million and penalties for non-compliance. TSH Resources two subsidiaries have until November 2 to respond to the request for information. The outcome of further action will depend on the findings of Singapore's investigators.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
