Singapore issues haze prevention notices to seven Indonesian firms

Minister Grace Fu announced on Friday that Singapore would be sending haze prevention notices to seven companies in Indonesia responsible for fires contributing to regional air quality degradation. The move represents a direct intervention aimed at holding specific entities accountable for their role in creating transboundary haze that affects Singapore and neighbouring countries.

Fu confirmed she had contacted her Indonesian counterpart once again on Friday to offer civilian assistance and coordinate efforts to mitigate the ongoing haze situation. The repeated outreach underscores Singapore's diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation on environmental concerns that impact the region's air quality.

The seven companies targeted by the prevention notices are expected to receive formal directives on implementing measures to prevent or suppress fires on their properties. Such notices typically outline compliance requirements and consequences for non-adherence, serving as a formal mechanism to incentivize responsible land management and fire prevention practices.

The transboundary haze phenomenon, predominantly caused by land-clearing and agricultural fires in Indonesia, has long posed a significant environmental and public health challenge for Singapore. Recent escalation in fire-related incidents has prompted Singapore to employ more direct enforcement measures alongside diplomatic negotiations with Indonesian authorities.