Cross-border challenges hamper Singapore's efforts to tackle haze-causing fires

Singapore's struggle to identify companies linked to forest fires in neighbouring countries reflects deep structural challenges in tackling the region's recurring haze problem. The cross-border nature of investigations and difficulties in collecting evidence have limited enforcement efforts, even as air pollution episodes continue to affect public health and the economy.

The porous regulatory environment across Southeast Asia complicates accountability efforts. Companies operating in Indonesia and Malaysia may face weak local oversight or operate through subsidiary arrangements that obscure their ownership and responsibility for land-clearing practices. Gathering evidence that meets Singapore's legal standards proves difficult when incidents occur in foreign jurisdictions with varying degrees of cooperation and record-keeping.

Current legislation, including the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, provides Singapore with tools to address the crisis. However, experts argue the framework could be strengthened through enhanced information-sharing agreements with neighbouring governments, tougher penalties for implicated firms, and clearer standards for corporate liability in supply chains. Some observers suggest expanding the scope to pursue companies that benefit from haze-causing activities, even if they do not directly operate the affected land.

Regional cooperation remains essential to any solution. Without improved mechanisms for evidence collection, expedited cross-border investigations, and coordinated enforcement actions, Singapore will likely continue facing recurrent haze episodes driven by factors beyond its direct control. Policymakers are examining whether legislative amendments could improve the effectiveness of existing tools and create stronger incentives for responsible corporate conduct across the region.