Singapore proposes raising maximum haze penalty from S$2 million to S$20 million

Singapore has proposed increasing the maximum fine for companies found responsible for transboundary haze from S$2 million to S$20 million. The changes follow the country’s worst haze episode in more than a decade and aim to give authorities stronger ways to investigate corporate links, intervene earlier and hold entities accountable.

The proposed amendments would raise the daily fine from S$100,000 to S$1 million, while retaining a maximum total cap. Authorities could also require entities suspected of links to haze to hire assessors, at their own expense, to help establish the facts; such a direction would not itself mean an offence had been committed. The Bill was introduced under a Certificate of Urgency, allowing all three readings in one parliamentary sitting. From 4 September to 25 October, air quality was unhealthy on 33 days and very unhealthy on five.