Politics · Singapore Bureau
Singapore vows to deploy all legal tools against haze-linked firms
The Singapore government will exhaust every available regulatory mechanism to hold companies accountable for transboundary haze pollution, signalling a hardline stance on the persistent regional air quality crisis.
LSN Singapore ·
Singapore is prepared to leverage its full arsenal of legal and regulatory powers to take action against enterprises linked to the seasonal haze that blights the region, according to a senior government official.
The commitment underscores the city-state's resolve to combat the transboundary pollution problem, which has repeatedly disrupted daily life and posed health risks to residents across South and Southeast Asia. Companies should not mistake the government's patience for weakness, the official cautioned, emphasizing that Singapore remains determined to pursue accountability through all available channels.
The approach reflects growing frustration over the recurrent haze episodes, predominantly caused by land-clearing activities and agricultural burning in neighbouring Indonesia. Singapore has previously pursued diplomatic channels and direct engagement with regional partners to address the root causes of the pollution.
By signalling its willingness to apply comprehensive regulatory measures, Singapore aims to increase pressure on corporations operating within or connected to the region to adopt practices that mitigate smoke generation and transboundary air pollution.