Singapore threatens legal action as haze reaches unhealthy levels across Southeast Asia
SCMP · 3 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Singapore is prepared to pursue legal action against companies responsible for the fires in Indonesia that have blanketed much of Southeast Asia with toxic haze. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed on Thursday that authorities are examining which firms may face prosecution under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, potentially alongside joint action with other affected countries. The city-state reported its worst air quality readings in over a decade, with the Pollutant Standards Index reaching between 125 and 206 across different regions as of Thursday morning. The government has begun distributing N95 masks to vulnerable residents while opening air-conditioned shelters at community centres.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated Singapore is investigating which companies may be responsible for fires in Indonesia, warning of action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act .
- PSI readings ranged from 125 to 206 across Singapore as of 6am Thursday, placing air quality in the unhealthy to very unhealthy categories, with western regions recording the highest levels .
- The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, enacted in 2014, allows for fines of up to S$100,000 (US$77,855) per day, capped at S$2 million total for companies found guilty of causing or condoning fires .
- Singapore topped IQAir's ranking of the world's most polluted major cities on Friday, while Jakarta ranked second and Kuala Lumpur fifth .
- N95 and equivalent masks are being distributed to vulnerable Singaporeans, with air-conditioned shelters opened at community clubs and residents' centres .
Why It Matters
The haze crisis highlights the ongoing challenge of holding companies accountable for cross-border environmental damage, as legal experts note that prosecutions remain difficult without cooperation from foreign authorities . This episode is shaping up to be the worst regional haze in more than a decade, putting pressure on ASEAN governments to coordinate a more effective response to the annual problem .
The haze crisis highlights the ongoing challenge of holding companies accountable for cross-border environmental damage, as legal experts note that prosecutions remain difficult without cooperation from foreign authorities . This episode is shaping up to be the worst regional haze in more than a decade, putting pressure on ASEAN governments to coordinate a more effective response to the annual problem .