Offenders could face S$20m penalties as Singapore expands powers over haze-linked firms, financiers and supply chains

Singapore is expanding its powers over haze-linked firms, financiers, and supply chains as part of a revised Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) proposed in Parliament. Under the amendments, offenders could face fines of up to S$20 million, up from the previous S$2 million, with daily fines increased from S$100,000 to S$1 million.

The higher penalties aim to deter harm caused by transboundary haze and underscore the gravity of such offences. Other enhancements include allowing electronic service of notices and documents, enabling court proceedings to continue in the absence of an accused person, and requiring entities to prove they took reasonable measures to prevent and fight the fire.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) will now be empowered to designate firms and individuals convicted of offences or suspected of engaging in conduct constituting an offence, subjecting them to restrictions on business dealings.

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