Singapore open to legal action as haze crisis worsens

• Singapore is considering legal action against companies responsible for the haze.
• The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act may be invoked.
• Fines can reach S$100,000 daily, capped at S$2 million.
• Air quality has reached very unhealthy levels.

Singapore is considering legal action against companies responsible for the worsening haze, which has pushed air quality to very unhealthy levels. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Thursday that Singapore may invoke its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act and explore joint action with other countries. The haze situation has been worsened by an extended dry period, exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that the government is collecting data and will review it carefully before deciding on potential action. The law, enacted in 2014, targets those responsible for fires if the resulting haze causes air quality to remain in the unhealthy range for 24 hours or more. Singapore has offered assistance to Indonesia to help contain the fires, which Indonesia is currently reviewing.