Singapore is investigating companies potentially linked to Indonesian forest and peat fires for possible legal action as worsening haze pushed air pollution in Singapore to a yearly high, while Indonesia approved foreign help to fight the blazes.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Oct. 15 that Singapore would act under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act “where warranted” and was exploring joint action with other countries. The law can apply to companies whose activities overseas cause or contribute to haze pollution in Singapore, but authorities must establish a company’s responsibility before taking action. Wong said the fires in forests and peatlands were worsened by an extended dry spell, and that Singapore had offered assistance to Indonesia.
On Oct. 15, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index in western Singapore peaked at 212, in the “very unhealthy” range; by 7 a.m. the next day, the central region’s reading had risen to 224. Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir said President Prabowo Subianto had approved assistance from neighbouring countries, with technical arrangements still being worked out. The approval followed mixed signals from Indonesian officials about foreign offers, while smoke from the fires continued to affect countries across the region.