Singapore Toughens Haze Law, Raises Maximum Fine Tenfold to S$20 Million

Singapore's Parliament has approved amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, raising the maximum fine tenfold to S$20 million, according to a New Straits Times report on 4 November 2026. The change sends a strong signal that the country wants stronger deterrence against companies that contribute to haze affecting Singapore, even if the fires and pollution originate outside its borders.

The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, first introduced in 2014, allows Singapore to take action against entities believed to be responsible for causing or contributing to unhealthy haze in the country. A higher maximum penalty raises the financial risk for large firms that are linked to land clearing or burning by plantations and suppliers. Environmental groups have long argued that penalties must be big enough to influence corporate decisions, particularly for companies with large revenues.

The topic is highly relevant for Malaysia. Haze was among the issues raised in the Dewan Rakyat in October, according to Bernama's weekly roundup of parliamentary matters, and Malaysians living in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and other states have experienced poor air quality during dry spells in past years. The regional nature of haze means that cooperation under the ASEAN agreement on transboundary haze pollution, as well as national enforcement and fire prevention, remain important.

Environmental experts typically stress that tougher laws are only one part of the solution. Prevention requires monitoring of hotspots, early detection of fires, support for farmers to avoid open burning, sustainable land management and transparency in supply chains. Consumers and investors also play a role by demanding responsible sourcing of palm oil, pulp and paper.

It remains to be seen how the new law will be applied in practice and whether it will influence behaviour on the ground. Readers who are sensitive to air pollution should keep checking the Air Pollutant Index and advisories issued by the Department of Environment, especially when dry conditions occur, and consider using masks and limiting outdoor exercise when readings are unhealthy.

News sources (nofollow): New Straits Times news summary | Bernama: Dewan Rakyat weekly roundup