Singapore to toughen haze law with arrest powers, bigger fines

Singapore plans to revise its transboundary haze law to enhance the government's ability to investigate businesses responsible for air pollution, according to Environment Minister Grace Fu. Fu stated that the current measures are "no longer tenable" following a recent haze episode.

Key changes to the law include the appointment of private sector assessors to investigate companies suspected of contributing to haze pollution. Companies found guilty of causing haze may face fines of up to S$1 million per day, with a maximum fine of S$20 million. Under the existing rules, such fines are capped at S$100,000 per day, totaling S$2 million.

The amendments will also enable the government to prevent other companies from collaborating with those accused of contributing to haze, with penalties of up to S$1 million per offense and an additional S$100,000 for each day of non-compliance. Fu emphasized the need for better information gathering, corporate relationship tracing, and severe consequences for errant entities, even when criminal prosecution is challenging.

Currently, Singapore has notified 10 Singapore-registered companies to provide information about their operations and potential ties to the haze. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has warned banks to impose conditions or terminate relationships with potentially violative companies. Additionally, Singapore intends to collaborate with ASEAN member states to strengthen the implementation of a transboundary haze agreement when it assumes chairmanship of the regional bloc next year.