Singapore vows to tighten laws and chase haze-linked firms indefinitely

Senior Minister K Shanmugam told reporters that Singapore will deploy every legal, regulatory and economic lever to pressure companies linked to the regional haze, and will keep the effort ongoing even after the smoke clears. He indicated that existing statutes may be amended or new ones introduced on an urgent basis to ensure cooperation, and that firms cannot hide behind complex corporate structures or claims of environmental responsibility.

Preventive measure notices will be sent to three more Indonesian companies—PT Buana Megatama Jaya, PT Mananjung Hayak and PT Baratama Putra Perkasa—raising the total to ten under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Shanmugam also highlighted scrutiny of major agribusiness groups such as Asia Pulp and Paper, First Resources, Bumitama Agri and others, and said banks and the Monetary Authority of Singapore must manage related environmental and legal risks. He expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s strong stance on the issue and called for continued Indonesian cooperation.