Singapore considers strengthening Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
Singapore is looking to amend the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to improve corporate accountability and fix enforcement gaps. This follows a recent move by the National Environment Agency to seek information from 10 local and 10 Indonesian firms regarding regional haze.
What happened
- 19 Oct
The Singapore Environment Council placed temporary restrictions on Asia Pulp & Paper's green labelling certification [1].
- 23 Oct
The NEA issued notices to 10 Singapore-based firms for the first time since the Act began [1], [2].
- 26 Oct
Shares for some listed palm oil producers, including First Resources and Bumitama Agri, dropped in early trading [2].
- 27 Oct
Minister Grace Fu stated that Singapore may introduce new laws or strengthen existing ones to better target responsible companies [1].
What you need to know
The NEA is requesting data on corporate links, Indonesian land concessions, and fire prevention efforts [2].
Affected firms include Wilmar International, First Resources, and Bumitama Agri [2].
Enforcement is difficult when overseas companies refuse to cooperate or their officers do not enter Singapore [1].
The government may use economic and regulatory pressure, including scrutiny from investors and financiers [1].
It is not yet confirmed which specific amendments will be made to the law or if entirely new legislation will be introduced.
Background
The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act allows Singapore to take action against entities causing haze that affects the country. However, gathering evidence and securing cooperation from foreign firms remain significant hurdles [1]. Recent enforcement actions targeted companies in the forestry and palm oil sectors that hold land concessions in Indonesia [1]. Several of these companies have publicly committed to cooperating with the NEA's requests for information [2].
Questions people ask
Which companies received NEA notices?
Notices were sent to 10 Singapore-registered firms, including Wilmar International, First Resources, Bumitama Agri, and Golden Agri International [2].
Why is the government changing the law?
Minister Grace Fu stated the goal is to address enforcement gaps and ensure companies cannot avoid investigations by staying outside Singapore [1].
Where this came from
[1] channelnewsasia.com
Singapore looking to strengthen haze law, may make amendments to address enforcement gaps: Grace Fu
Preview image from channelnewsasia.com
[2] straitstimes.com
First Resources, Bumitama Agri shares fall after receiving NEA notices over haze
Preview image from straitstimes.com
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