SINGAPORE, Nov 5 — Singapore’s Parliament yesterday passed amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) with key changes that include higher maximum fines and stronger investigative and enforcement powers against entities responsible for cross-border haze.

The amendments raise the maximum fine for the main offence tenfold from S$2 million (S$1=RM3.18) to S$20 million, while increasing the daily fine from S$100,000 to S$1 million for causing or contributing to land or forest fires that risk causing haze in Singapore.

The amendments also expand investigative powers to trace commercial links and impose restrictions across business arrangements and supply chains to hold entities accountable, while removing legal barriers to enforcement in line with international law.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said the amendments would strengthen Singapore’s standing as a jurisdiction with credible and robust environmental standards.

“Transboundary haze is complex, but we are committed to doing what we can within our powers to reduce incentives for unsustainable forestry and agricultural practises.

“The amendments we are making show our commitment to ensuring traceability of our supply chain and curtailing economic benefits of companies engaged in or linked to unlawful practises,” she said in her winding-up speech following the parliamentary debate.

Fu said Singapore would continue working with regional partners, including through its role as host of the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre and its 2027 Asean Chairmanship, to strengthen the bloc’s long-term capacity to tackle transboundary haze.

“The THPA is not a silver bullet, it is one of many tools we must use to address the transboundary haze situation,” she added.

Meanwhile, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA) chairman Simon Tay said the amendments would strengthen penalties against companies responsible for transboundary haze.

“The THPA is a legal weapon that can be used against corporations, it will enable Singapore to act effectively against errant companies,” he said told Bernama.

However, Tay cautioned that tougher legislation alone could not prevent future haze incidents, particularly amid climate change.

“Cooperation within the Asean framework and with Indonesia and neighbouring countries will also be essential,” he added. — Bernama