Singapore issues haze notices to 3 more Indonesian firms over Kalimantan fires; S$2 million fines possible

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Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on Oct 19 that it had issued Preventive Measure Notices to three more Indonesian companies, saying there were indications that smoke from fires on concession lands they hold in Kalimantan could have reached Singapore. The companies are PT Buana Megatama Jaya, PT Mananjung Hayak and PT Baratama Putra Perkasa. Together with the seven Indonesian companies served over Sumatra fires three days earlier, 10 firms are now targeted under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA).

Under the notices, the companies must deploy firefighting personnel to extinguish fires and prevent them from spreading, stop all burning activities, refrain from starting new ones, and submit action plans to NEA detailing measures to put out the fires and prevent recurrence. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said NEA would monitor the companies' responses and consider further measures under the THPA where warranted, with fines or charges among the options.

Senior Minister K Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, told reporters at Woodlands Checkpoint on Monday that Singapore will use every legal, regulatory and economic lever at its disposal against companies responsible for the haze, "for as long as it takes," and is prepared to amend existing legislation or introduce new laws if necessary. He acknowledged the practical challenges of investigating companies operating outside Singapore, but said they should not underestimate the government's determination to act.