Singapore authorities have pledged to employ all available legal and regulatory measures against companies linked to the recent haze affecting the region. Senior Minister K. Shanmugam, speaking during a visit to Woodlands Checkpoint on October 19, emphasized that the government is determined to take firm action against firms connected to the fires, including those listed in Singapore but operating across the border in Indonesia.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued legal notices to ten firms, including Bumi Andalas Permai, Bumi Mekar Hijau, Paramitra Mulia Langgeng, Sumatera Alam Anugerah, Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries, Hutan Lestari Raya, Bangkanesia, Buana Megatama Jaya, Mananjung Hayak, and Baratama Putra Perkasa. These companies manage pulpwood plantations and are believed to have links to the fires responsible for the haze.
Shanmugam rejected attempts by some companies to distance themselves from responsibility or claim difficulty in obtaining evidence. “They should not underestimate the Singapore Government’s determination to act,” he said, warning that firms cannot avoid scrutiny or attempt to greenwash their environmental record while contributing to the haze. The government plans to continue investigations even after the haze diminishes and has indicated a willingness to modify existing laws or introduce new legislation to strengthen enforcement.
In addition to legal actions, Singapore is considering economic and regulatory pressure aimed at affecting the companies’ financial standing, including their access to financing, investor relations, and eligibility for government business or grants. Shanmugam mentioned potential civil, criminal, and administrative actions, such as barring companies from government contracts or restricting other forms of business support. He also urged entities with business ties to these plantation firms to exercise rigorous due diligence regarding their partners' environmental commitments.
Singapore Exchange-listed companies, including First Resources, have come under scrutiny. First Resources stated that some fires started outside their boundaries and spread into company-managed lands, with firefighting efforts hindered by the scale and speed of the blazes. However, Shanmugam noted that such explanations are insufficient and pledged that the government will investigate thoroughly and act based on evidence. Other companies queried by the Singapore Exchange include Golden Agri Resources, Bumitama Agri, Wilmar, Kencana Agri, Indofood Agri, and TSH Resources.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore is also monitoring banks that lend to companies potentially linked to the haze, emphasizing the need for financial institutions to manage environmental and legal risks properly.
Addressing potential diplomatic concerns, Shanmugam stated Singapore does not anticipate bilateral issues with Indonesia over these actions, asserting that it is in both countries' interests to hold culprits accountable. He expressed appreciation for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s efforts to address the haze and highlighted ongoing cooperation between Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The three countries have agreed to pursue regular trilateral discussions focused on environmental sustainability and transboundary haze, including developing a regional platform for monitoring and sharing satellite images of fire-prone areas to enable quicker alerts.
Singapore has also contributed resources to Indonesia, such as funding for water-bombing helicopters and drought-resistant seeds aimed at rehabilitating affected land. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted that some fires were deliberately set and reiterated Singapore’s commitment to calling out companies linked to such activities.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed that Singapore will pursue all legal and regulatory avenues to hold responsible parties accountable and exert pressure where it matters. Shanmugam added that the Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee, which he chairs, is actively addressing issues related to the haze crisis, including measures targeting errant companies.