World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Singapore Steps Up Financial and Legal Pressure Over Indonesian Haze
Singapore is tightening pressure on companies suspected of links to fires in Indonesia that caused cross-border haze.
Banks have been asked to check the companies’ environmental risks and may limit credit if those risks are high.
Singapore officials have warned leaders of 10 companies under investigation to provide full access to documents, business sites and relevant people.
The investigation aims to trace company ownership, supply chains and possible links to fires, using satellite and geospatial analysis.
Singapore says improved air quality will not halt the investigations; air readings were moderate on Thursday, while haze remained in parts of Kalimantan.
Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to form a joint task force on cross-border haze.
Singapore plans to seek stronger legal powers next week, including criminal penalties for companies that obstruct investigations if parliament approves the changes.
Singapore is increasing financial and legal pressure on companies suspected of links to fires causing haze in Indonesia.
Banks have been asked to assess companies’ environmental financing risks and may restrict credit where risks are high.
Singapore summoned leaders of 10 companies under investigation and warned them to cooperate fully.
The government plans to seek changes to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act that could make obstructing investigations a criminal offence.
Singapore’s air quality improved, but haze was still reported in parts of Kalimantan.
- Who
- Singapore’s government is investigating 10 companies suspected of links to the fires. The companies’ names are not stated.
- What
- Singapore is increasing financial and legal pressure, including asking banks to assess environmental risks and preparing stronger investigative powers.
- When
- The article was published on October 29, 2026. The company meeting took place on October 28.
- Where
- Singapore and Indonesia.
- Why
- The measures aim to investigate companies’ possible involvement in fires linked to the cross-border haze and hold responsible parties accountable.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Indonesia and Singapore agreed in Jakarta to form a joint task force on cross-border haze.
Singaporean ministers met leaders of 10 companies under investigation and warned them to cooperate.
Singapore reported moderate air quality, with the 24-hour PSI at 68–77 in the morning.
Singapore planned to propose changes to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act in Parliament.
- Companies summoned
- Leaders of 10 companies under investigation
- Singapore PSI
- 68–77 on the morning of October 29, 2026
- Expected PSI
- 60–90 throughout October 29, according to NEA
- Planned legal change
- Proposed amendment to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
- Meeting date
- October 28, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Although haze conditions have improved, we will not ease our efforts.
Haze is caused by fires. Fires are caused by irresponsible business practices. This is not a natural phenomenon.
We expect genuine cooperation and openness, not merely technical compliance or answers drafted by lawyers that do not address the substance.