SGX grills seven agribusiness firms over Indonesia haze fire links

NEA has already ordered suspected firms to put out the fires.

Singapore has questioned seven locally listed agribusiness companies over possible links to fires in Indonesia that have caused transboundary haze, Senior Minister K Shanmugam said.

The government is considering legal, regulatory, and economic measures against companies suspected of contributing to the fires.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has probed Golden Agri-Resources, Bumitama Agri, First Resources, Wilmar International, Kencana Agri, Indofood Agri Resources, and TSH Resources over the issue.

As part of the government’s efforts, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has also sent notices to suspected companies, requiring them to extinguish the fires and prevent future outbreaks.

The government will expand its investigations beyond individual plantation concession holders to include parent corporate groups and those ultimately responsible.

Authorities are examining links between the firms after finding that Asia Pulp and Paper buys from three companies that received the NEA notices, Shanmugam said.

The government will also ask more questions to First Resources, Bumitama Agri, and First Borneo Plantations, as some fire or smoke-source points also appear to be associated with these firms.

He said the government would assess all evidence fairly and would not allow companies to evade scrutiny or deny responsibility.

“They should also be under no illusion that they can simply wait for the haze to clear, and return to business as usual. We will pursue this matter for as long as it takes,” Shanmugam said.

Shanmugam said companies must back their environmental claims with evidence, including fire locations, land ownership, those responsible, and efforts to contain the fires, citing First Resources’ statements on its zero-burning policy and firefighting efforts.

The government would also amend existing legislation or introduce new laws urgently if necessary to secure cooperation.

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, together with other agencies, is addressing the immediate haze situation and investigating companies potentially involved.

The Homefront Crisis Ministerial Committee is also coordinating the government’s response with relevant agencies.

Shanmugam said that Singapore has welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to tackle the haze, including allowing foreign assistance to fight the fires and issuing directives banning slash-and-burn practices on peatland.