Singapore introduced proposed amendments to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, granting authorities the power to arrest suspects and conduct criminal trials in the absence of accused entities. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu presented the Bill in Parliament under a Certificate of Urgency signed by the president, following the country’s worst haze episode in more than a decade.
Transboundary Haze Pollution Act Amendments and Proposed Arrest Powers
The legislative changes address practical difficulties in serving notices and initiating formal legal processes against foreign entities that remain outside Singapore. Under the revised framework, haze-related offences under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act become arrestable.
Courts gain the authority to hear and determine cases in the absence of accused persons under specified circumstances. Minister Fu noted this aligns with existing court procedures when a summons or notice is duly served, the accused is informed the matter can proceed without them, and insufficient reason exists to adjourn the case. Legal documents may be served electronically or through substituted service, such as publication in public media or on the National Environment Agency website.
Did You Know? Singapore faced haze conditions between Sept. 4 and Oct. 25, during which forest and peatland fires in Indonesia caused air quality to hit the unhealthy category on 33 days and the very unhealthy category on five days.
Revised act imposes severe financial penalties
AsiaOne.com reports that individuals and corporations that provoke or contribute to land or forest blazes creating a haze pollution hazard in Singapore face potential fines reaching up to $20 million under the updated Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. Errant entities convicted of an offence face maximum daily fines increased to $1 million per day, up from $100,000 previously. The maximum aggregate fine rises from $2 million to $20 million.
The amendments also recalibrate statutory defences available to companies. It will no longer be sufficient to simply claim that another person caused the fire, and entities are expected to take sufficient care to prevent burning on their land. Minister Fu stated in Parliament that claiming another person caused the fire will no longer suffice, signaling expectations that companies take sufficient care to avoid burning on their land.
Government restricts business dealings for convicted entities
The updated legislation empowers the Government to label errant entities found guilty of an offence and place limitations on their commercial activities. Designated entities may face prohibitions preventing other companies from buying from or selling goods to them, or providing loans and financial support. Entities with corporate or supply-chain links to irresponsible burning activities will also face greater scrutiny.
The Minister-in-charge of the Monetary Authority of Singapore will administer relevant orders concerning financial institution services. Targeted entities may be directed to appoint an expert assessor from a Director-General appointed panel at their own expense to evaluate operations and submit reports directly to the National Environment Agency.
Presidential certificate enables swift bill passage
Why was the Transboundary Haze Pollution (Amendment) Bill introduced under a Certificate of Urgency?
The certificate signed by the president allows the proposed Bill to be introduced, debated, and passed through all three readings in a single parliamentary sitting. This expedites the implementation of enhanced enforcement powers while investigations into the recent haze episode remain ongoing.
What penalties apply to non-compliance with assessor directions or official notices?
Non-compliance with orders, notices, or directions to appoint an assessor constitutes an offence attracting a maximum fine of $1 million for each contravention, alongside an additional fine of up to $100,000 for every day the contravention continues after conviction.