Singapore passed amendments to its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) on Wednesday, raising the maximum fine for the main offense to SG$20 million from SG$2 million and expanding enforcement powers against cross-border haze pollution.
The changes follow the city-state's worst haze episode since 2015, which disrupted daily activities and businesses and raised public health concerns, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a Wednesday statement. Investigations into the September-October 2026 episode are ongoing.
Under the amendments, authorities can require companies with suspected links to haze pollution to appoint expert private-sector assessors at their own expense to help establish the facts.
Authorities will also be able to restrict business dealings, including financial support, involving designated entities or individuals linked to offenses or non-compliance.
The amendments also introduce a civil penalty framework with fines of up to SG$10 million and expanded investigative and enforcement powers.
