Singapore expands crackdown on Indonesian companies linked to haze
NEA said the notices require firefighting, a burning halt and action plans as Singapore extends enforcement to companies linked to fires on Indonesian concessions.
- On Monday, the National Environment Agency expanded enforcement actions, bringing the total number of Indonesian companies targeted under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to 10. The preventive notices require firms to extinguish fires and submit action plans.
- Prolonged dry conditions driven by the ongoing El Nino phenomenon have fueled forest fires across Indonesia, causing smoke to drift into Singapore for nearly six weeks—the longest continuous stretch since 2015. Drained peatland fires release carbon locked underground.
- General practitioners report a 20% to 30% increase in haze-linked respiratory visits, prompting the government to distribute N95 masks via vending machines and open air-conditioned shelters at community clubs for vulnerable residents.
- Coordinating Minister for National Security K. Shanmugam warned that Singapore will use "every legal and regulatory lever" to pressure responsible firms, including targeting their access to financing and standing with investors.
- While hazy conditions may persist, the inter-monsoon period expected in three to four weeks should improve air quality; legal experts note that holding foreign entities accountable for transboundary haze remains a significant challenge.
45 Articles
45 Articles
'They may think that they can escape scrutiny': Singapore cracks down on Indonesian companies spreading 'entirely preventable' smog across the border
This brings to 10 the number of Indonesian companies that Singapore is targeting under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
The city-state has stepped up measures to combat fires, which have been going on for months, and has promised to take legal action against the companies responsible for the fires, which have placed air quality in the region among the worst in the world. Air pollution has forced the closure of schools in several countries of the region and has led to an increase in respiratory problems among the population. "Our research suggests that some of the…
Rare 'normal' PM2.5 in 3 regions on Oct 18; PSI at season-high 230 in western Singapore
No, this photo of Punggol isn't one taken on better days. Clear skies and good air quality have been in short supply since Oct 5, when Singapore started recording 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings in the unhealthy range. Singapore calculates its PSI based on six pollutant particulate matter — PM10 and PM2.5, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone and carbon...
Singapore Weighs Legal Action Against Indonesia Over Haze
Last Updated on October 18, 2026 by Jeff Tomas BANGKOK – Singapore is currently battling its most severe bout of transboundary haze in more than a decade. Millions of residents are breathing in thick, acrid smoke that has heavily blanketed the entire city-state. The dangerous smog originates from massive wildfires burning across neighboring Indonesia, largely […] <p>The post Singapore Weighs Legal Action Against Indonesia Over Haze first appeare…
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