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Singapore raises haze fines tenfold and lets government cut off firms linked to fires

Amended haze law lets Singapore's government order banks, suppliers and insurers to cut ties with firms linked to cross-border fires, a shift that affects corporate lending and supply chains.

Photo: Eco-Business

What happened

Singapore's Parliament passed amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on November 5, 2026. Head Topics+1 The maximum fine rises tenfold to S$20 million, and the maximum daily fine rises from S$100,000 to S$1 million. Head Topics The National Environment Agency can designate entities and compel financial institutions to withdraw credit, insurance and supply arrangements without a criminal conviction. Eco-Business+1 The law also gives investigators powers to trace commercial connections across business arrangements and supply chains. Head Topics

Around it

A Singapore Management University academic said it remains unclear whether designation orders will extend to parent companies, where much of the borrowing is concentrated, until the powers are first used. Eco-Business+1 Research cited by BriefAsia found ultimate ownership could not be traced for 80 per cent of roughly 2,400 Indonesian concessions examined, which accounted for 75 per cent of this year's fires. BriefAsia Separately, the Ministry of Manpower has told Parliament that adherence to its haze guidelines for outdoor workers is now mandatory, and it has carried out more than 500 worksite inspections since September 2026. Human Resources Director

Sources

  1. Head TopicsSingapore imposes S$20 million fines for cross-border haze pollution
  2. Eco-BusinessWill Singapore's tougher haze law follow the money? What to watch in the first designations
  3. BriefAsiaSingapore's Haze Law Grants Financial Sanctions Without Trial
  4. Human Resources DirectorSingapore employers face enforcement risk under haze guidance, lawyer warns

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