SINGAPORE, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Singapore said Wednesday it will strengthen its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, including raising the maximum fine for the main offense tenfold to 20 million Singapore dollars (about 15.64 million U.S. dollars), as it steps up efforts to hold companies and individuals responsible for haze pollution accountable.
The amendments aim to strengthen Singapore's ability to investigate irresponsible burning, establish accountability, and strengthen enforcement against errant entities, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement.
The amendments follow the country's most severe haze episode since 2015, which disrupted daily activities, affected businesses and workers, and raised public health concerns. Investigations into the September to October haze episode are ongoing.
The changes will give the NEA greater powers to investigate commercial links to haze pollution, including requiring entities suspected of involvement to appoint independent private-sector assessors at their own expense.
The government will also be empowered to designate entities or individuals suspected of offenses, convicted of offenses, or failing to comply with regulatory directions, allowing restrictions on business dealings and financial support.
Other measures include expanding the act to cover fires posing a risk of haze pollution in Singapore even before the haze reaches the country, introducing a civil penalty framework with a maximum penalty of 10 million Singapore dollars, and strengthening enforcement powers.
Courts will also be able to impose additional penalties based on profits gained or losses avoided through offenses.
"We will continue working with our neighbors to strengthen regional cooperation and prevent fires at source. Within our own jurisdiction, we will do what we can to prevent transboundary haze pollution in Singapore and hold errant entities accountable," said the NEA. ■
