Government plans tenfold hike in maximum haze fine to $20m

Proposed changes add civil penalties of up to $10m and business restrictions.

Singapore plans to increase the maximum fine for transboundary haze pollution offences tenfold to $20m, alongside new powers to restrict business dealings and financial support involving entities linked to haze pollution.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on 4 November that the government will amend the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) following the country's most severe haze episode since 2015.

Under the proposed amendments, the maximum fine for the main offence under the THPA will rise from $2m, whilst other penalties under the Act will increase proportionally.

Investigations into the haze episode from September to October are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a new penalty framework will allow NEA, with the consent of the Public Prosecutor, to bring civil action against errant entities, with penalties of up to $10m.

Entities cannot face both civil and criminal penalties for the same case, the agency added.

The amendments will also enable the government to restrict business dealings with designated entities or individuals, including the supply or purchase of goods and services, loans, and other financial support.

Violations of such restrictions could result in fines of up to $1m per contravention, with an additional $100,000 for each day the violation continues after conviction.

Certain forestry and agricultural businesses may also be required to conduct due diligence to ensure their supply chains and business arrangements do not involve entities contributing to fires that pose a haze risk.

Entities suspected of having links to haze pollution could be required to appoint independent private-sector assessors at their own expense to submit evaluation reports directly to NEA.

The amendments will expand the Act's coverage to land or forest fires posing a risk of haze pollution in Singapore, even before the haze reaches the country.