Singapore Proposes Arrest Powers And $20 Million Fines In Haze Crackdown

Singapore is proposing amendments to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act in Parliament on 4 Nov 2026, following its worst haze episode since 2015.

The Bill was introduced in Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency, allowing it to be debated and passed through all three readings in a single sitting.

One of the proposed amendments would strengthen authorities' powers to investigate companies suspected of contributing to transboundary haze pollution.

The changes would give greater enforcement powers, including arresting persons of interest in Singapore, conducting trials in their absence under certain circumstances, and serving legal documents electronically or through public notices.

Another proposed amendment would raise the maximum fine for companies found responsible for transboundary haze pollution from $2 million to $20 million.

Under the changes, the maximum daily fine would also increase from $100,000 to $1 million.

Courts would additionally be allowed to consider profits gained or losses avoided as a result of an offence when determining penalties.

The Director-General of Environmental Protection could direct companies suspected of having links to haze pollution to appoint private-sector assessors at their own expense. These assessors would examine relevant information and submit their findings to NEA to help establish the facts.

Min. for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu clarified that being directed to appoint an assessor does not necessarily mean a company has committed or is suspected of committing an offence.

The Minister Sustainability and the Environment would also be given the power to designate companies or individuals suspected of or convicted of haze-related offences, including those who fail to comply with official directions.

Such designations would allow the Government to restrict business dealings with them, including the supply and purchase of goods and services, as well as loans and other financial support.

The proposals follow an announcement on 3 Nov that Singapore will work with other ASEAN member states to establish a regional haze control centre in Indonesia ahead of its chairmanship of the bloc in 2027.

The centre will only become operational after at least six ASEAN member states ratify its establishment agreement.

The amendments aim to address challenges in investigating overseas companies and holding them accountable for fires that cause haze pollution in Singapore.

Minister Fu said the changes would strengthen enforcement, but cautioned that legislation alone could not resolve the haze problem.