# Arrest powers, criminal trials in absence of accused among proposed changes to Singapore’s haze law

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/arrest-powers-criminal-trials-in-absence-of-accused-among-proposed-changes-to-singapores-haze-law/
- Published: 2026-11-04T07:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T04:08:47+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/haze-law-changes-arrest-powers-trials-absence-6522026
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Singapore proposes tougher powers under its haze law.
- Courts could hear some cases without the accused present.
- Haze brought unhealthy air for 33 days.

## Summary

Singapore has proposed changes to its haze law that would give authorities more ways to investigate and pursue people and companies suspected of causing transboundary haze. The government says the changes are intended to prevent overseas entities from avoiding enforcement by staying outside Singapore, while recognising that the country’s powers remain limited across borders.

The bill would make all offences under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act arrestable and allow courts, in specified circumstances, to hear cases without the accused present. It would also permit electronic service of legal documents and substituted service, including publication in public media or on the environment agency’s website. The proposals followed a haze episode from 4 September to 25 October, when air quality was unhealthy for 33 days and very unhealthy for five; ministers cautioned that legal changes cannot guarantee prosecutions or solve the regional problem.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.