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Singapore

Singapore passes stronger haze law targeting non-compliant companies

The amended Transboundary Haze Pollution Act could expose companies linked to haze-causing fires to serious business consequences, a factor for firms operating in the region.

Photo: The Straits Times

What happened

Singapore passed a strengthened Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on November 4. The Straits Times+1 Companies handed legal notices will need to fully cooperate with the authorities or face severe business repercussions, according to legal experts. The Straits Times The changes include mandated independent audits and a focus on supply chains, and they tighten responsibility for haze-causing fires. The Business Times The law also allows Singapore to take action even before pollutive smoke reaches its shores. The Straits Times

Around it

Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, said the government's ability to make errant companies a corporate pariah would have a chilling effect on their ability to do business in Singapore. The Straits Times Changes could also prompt firms in the agro-forestry and retail sectors to audit their business ties for unwitting links to companies involved in irresponsible burning. The Straits Times Environmental law experts said the amendments could improve accountability of firms linked to forest fires, but effectiveness will depend on consistent enforcement, corporate cooperation and access to evidence across jurisdictions. CNA Experts said the gaps in tackling transboundary haze cannot be closed by legislation alone, and that cooperation among countries will also be key. CNA

Sources

  1. The Straits TimesSingapore’s stronger haze law could make non-compliant companies ‘corporate pariahs’
  2. CNASingapore's stronger haze law: How it might work and what it may not fix
  3. The Business TimesIssue 219: Singapore sharpens haze law; South-east Asia’s blended sweet spots

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