Five Singapore-registered companies potentially linked to regional fires that contributed to transboundary haze have agreed to cooperate with a specialist panel tasked with investigating their involvement. The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on October 31 that Wilmar International, Golden Agri-Resources, APP Company, APP Company (China), and Indofood Agri Resources have all consented to engage assessors and participate in the ongoing assessment process.
The NEA also indicated that a sixth company, Kencana Agri, has expressed willingness to voluntarily work with the appointed assessors. Separately, First Resources has publicly stated its readiness to engage an investigation firm and a law firm to evaluate any possible connection to the fires in Indonesia that caused haze affecting Singapore. The agency said it expects written confirmation from First Resources soon on its participation.
This development follows a closed-door meeting held on October 28 involving representatives from 10 Singaporean companies issued notices under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. The meeting was attended by Senior Minister K. Shanmugam, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu. The firms summoned included APP Company, APP Company (China), Burimama Agri, Golden Agri International, First Resources, Indofood Agri Resources, Kencana Agri, TSH Global Plantation, TSH Oversea, and Wilmar International.
Under the Act, companies can be held accountable if they are found to have caused or contributed to haze pollution across national borders. The appointed panel comprises experts with the capacity to conduct cross-border investigations, trace intricate corporate networks, and analyze supply chains spanning multiple jurisdictions. The Ministry of Law and NEA announced on October 30 that six firms and a senior lawyer had been appointed to the assessment panel.
The NEA explained that voluntary cooperation from these companies would be instrumental in establishing the facts surrounding their potential involvement in the Indonesian fires responsible for haze affecting Singapore. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability as part of Singapore’s broader efforts to address regional haze pollution.