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Singapore

Singapore passes tougher haze law with arrest powers and higher fines

The amended Transboundary Haze Pollution Act gives authorities wider investigative tools and tenfold higher maximum fines, affecting firms linked to cross-border fires.

Photo: Head Topics

What happened

Singapore's Parliament passed amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act without dissent on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. France 24+2 The changes add arrest powers, raise the maximum fine for the main offence tenfold from SG$2 million to SG$20 million, and allow restrictions on companies linked to transboundary haze. France 24+1 The daily fine for causing or contributing to land or forest fires that risk haze in Singapore rises from SG$100,000 to SG$1 million. Media Selangor The amendments expand powers to trace commercial links and impose restrictions across business arrangements and supply chains. Media Selangor+1 Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said the government needs better ways to obtain and verify information and to intervene earlier before haze reaches Singapore. France 24+2

Around it

The changes follow Singapore's most severe haze episode since 2015, which disrupted daily activities and led to more people visiting doctors each day. Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment+1 The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act enacted in 2014 has been hampered by jurisdictional barriers and difficulty obtaining evidence from overseas. France 24+2 Of six cases filed in 2015 under the law, two were closed in 2017 after companies provided information, while investigations into the other four remain open. France 24+3 Three of the firms under open investigation have also been implicated in the 2026 haze episode, and their past actions will be considered in the current probe. The Straits Times Grace Fu said the enhancements are not a silver bullet and that international cooperation remains crucial. Head Topics

What comes next

Authorities will continue their investigation into the current haze case, including the firms previously issued legal notices. The Straits Times

Sources

  1. France 24Singapore toughens haze law with arrest powers, bigger fines
  2. Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment2nd Reading of the Transboundary Haze Pollution (Amendment) Bill
  3. The Straits TimesMPs raise questions on $20m fine, delay in strengthening haze law, in six-hour debate
  4. Media SelangorSingapore strengthens haze law with higher fines, tougher enforcement
  5. Head TopicsEnhanced haze law 'not a silver bullet', international cooperation remains crucial: Grace Fu
  6. nea.gov.sgSingapore To Strengthen Transboundary Haze Pollution Act With Tougher Penalties And Expanded Enforcement Powers
  7. Yahoo NewsSingapore to toughen haze law with arrest powers, bigger fines
  8. afp.comSingapore toughens haze law with arrest powers, bigger fines

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