Summary
Singapore will issue haze prevention notices to seven Indonesian companies linked to fires contributing to the current haze affecting Singapore.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) will require the firms to extinguish fires, stop burning activities and submit plans to prevent future outbreaks.
Minister Grace Fu offered Indonesia civilian firefighting assistance and cloud seeding, while Singapore considers further enforcement measures under its haze pollution law.
SINGAPORE: Singapore will issue haze prevention notices to seven Indonesian companies linked to fires causing the current haze, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Friday (Oct 16).
The National Environment Agency (NEA) will issue the notices under Singapore’s Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. The companies must extinguish fires on their land, stop burning activities and submit plans to prevent future outbreaks.
Ms Fu said Singapore would investigate all companies found responsible for transboundary haze. Further notices and enforcement measures could follow if evidence links other firms to fires affecting Singapore, Channel NewsAsia (CNA) reported (Oct 16).
Seven companies face haze prevention notices
The seven companies are PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Paramitra Mulia Langgeng, PT Sumatera Alam Anugerah, PT SBA Wood Industries, PT Hutan Lestari Raya and PT Bangkanesia.
Each company must deploy firefighting personnel to extinguish fires or prevent them from spreading. They must also stop or avoid burning on land they own or occupy.
The firms must submit action plans to NEA explaining how they will extinguish existing fires and prevent future ones.
Three companies — PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau and PT SBA Wood Industries — have been identified as suppliers to Asia Pulp & Paper, part of Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group.
The companies operate in Indonesia’s forestry and timber plantation sector, mainly in South Sumatra and the Bangka Belitung Islands.
Singapore keeps legal action on the table
Singapore has pursued companies over earlier haze episodes, including the 2015 crisis. NEA issued legal notices to several firms, and investigations into some cases are still ongoing.
Ms Fu acknowledged the difficulties of investigating transboundary haze offences. She said lessons from earlier cases would guide the government’s assessment of the current fires and future enforcement steps.
Possible measures include fines or criminal charges, depending on the circumstances and effectiveness of enforcement, she told reporters.
Singapore will also monitor how the seven companies respond to the notices. More firms could receive notices if investigations uncover evidence linking them to fires that cause haze in Singapore.
The law gives Singapore a way to pursue companies whose activities cause transboundary haze, even when their operations are across the border. However, investigating such cases and securing effective enforcement can be difficult.
Singapore offers Indonesia firefighting support
Ms Fu said Singapore had stayed in contact with Indonesian officials over the past few months and previously offered help with firefighting.
She contacted Indonesia’s Minister for Environment Mohammad Jumhur Hidayat again on Friday to offer civilian assistance. The offer includes firefighting support and cloud seeding, which can help encourage rain under suitable conditions.
Ms Fu said she had yet to receive a response but would continue discussions and provide help Indonesia considers suitable.
The notices put the affected companies under pressure to act, while Singapore’s offer gives Indonesia another option in tackling the fires.
The practical test now is whether the fires can be brought under control and prevented from returning. Firm action by companies, backed by effective cooperation between the two governments, offers the best chance of reducing the haze affecting people in Singapore.