Singapore debates haze-law overhaul: fines for errant firms could rise from S$2 million to S$20 million

Singapore's Parliament debated amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on November 4 that would raise fines for companies linked to transboundary haze tenfold. Under the bill, firms convicted of causing or contributing to fires that bring unhealthy haze to Singapore would face fines of S$1 million per day of haze pollution, up from S$100,000, with the total cap rising from S$2 million to S$20 million (about US$16 million). The bill was introduced and read a second time under a rare Certificate of Urgency signed by the president, which allows a bill to be introduced, debated and passed through all three readings in a single parliamentary sitting. (Cover photo is a file photo of haze in Singapore.)

Non-cooperation could become an offence; business dealings can be restricted

The amendments would also give the National Environment Agency (NEA) wider investigative and sanctioning powers: the agency could direct companies to appoint independent assessors, at their own cost, to examine their operations, corporate relationships and supply chains, and failure to comply could constitute an offence punishable by up to S$20 million. Authorities would also be able to act before polluting smoke reaches Singapore's shores, restrict designated firms or individuals from business dealings with other entities, including financial services, and serve legal documents electronically, such as by email. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu told Parliament that haze is not an act of nature but a consequence of human action, driven by errant firms' irresponsible practices in pursuit of profit, adding that enforcement must respect other countries' sovereignty, uphold international law and avoid extraterritorial overreach.

After the worst haze in over a decade; no firm fined under the old law

The overhaul follows Singapore's worst haze episode in more than a decade: from September 4 to October 25, air quality reached the unhealthy range on 33 days and the very unhealthy range on five days. The current Act, enacted in 2014, has been wielded only twice, in 2015 and again in 2026, and no fines have been imposed on any company so far. The NEA has served notices on companies alleged to be linked to fires in Indonesia and opened investigations. Fu has previously said Singapore will push for the ASEAN haze coordination centre to become operational ahead of the city-state's chairmanship of the bloc in 2027.