Singapore is taking action against three more Indonesian companies to tackle and prevent forest fires in Kalimantan province that may have sent smoke across the border. The National Environment Agency announced the move, bringing the total number of Indonesian companies targeted under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to 10.
The NEA said it sent preventive measure notices to seven Indonesian agroforestry companies linked to fires in Sumatra province. Since then, the agency said there were indications that smoke from fires in Kalimantan province on lands held via concessions under three additional companies in Indonesia could also have moved to Singapore.
What Are Preventive Measure Notices Under the Haze Pollution Act?
Preventive measure notices are formal instructions issued by Singapore's National Environment Agency to companies whose land concessions are linked to fires that may cause transboundary smoke. The notices require companies to take steps to tackle and prevent forest fires on their land.
The NEA said it would send preventive measure notices to the three additional companies. This follows the earlier round of notices sent to seven agroforestry companies connected to fires in Sumatra province.
The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act is the legal tool Singapore uses to hold companies accountable for fires on their land that contribute to smog crossing into the country. The law allows the government to target companies operating in Indonesia when their concessions are linked to fires that affect Singapore's air quality.
Why Singapore Is Expanding Its Crackdown
The expansion to Kalimantan province shows Singapore is widening its focus beyond Sumatra. The NEA said there were indications that smoke from fires on lands held via concessions under the three additional companies could have moved to Singapore.
This brings the total number of Indonesian companies targeted to 10. The first seven notices were linked to fires in Sumatra province, and the three new notices are linked to fires in Kalimantan province.
- Seven companies received notices for fires in Sumatra province
- Three additional companies are being targeted for fires in Kalimantan province
- Total number of companies targeted: 10
- The notices are issued under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
- The National Environment Agency is the issuing authority
Our Take: Holding Companies Accountable for Cross-Border Smog
In our view, Singapore's decision to expand its crackdown to Kalimantan sends a clear message: companies that allow fires on their land will not escape scrutiny just because they operate across the border. The smog problem is entirely preventable, and the companies holding these concessions have a responsibility to manage their land properly.
To put it plainly, the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act gives Singapore a way to push back against a problem that affects the health and daily life of people in the region. Targeting 10 companies shows the government is serious about following the evidence — wherever the fires are burning.
What this means for readers: if you live in Singapore or nearby, the air you breathe is being protected by these notices. Companies that clear land by burning it now face formal pressure from Singapore's regulators. The message is simple — if your land is on fire and the smoke reaches Singapore, you will be held to account.
The crackdown also puts other companies on notice. Those who think they can operate without consequences should take note. Singapore is watching, and it is willing to act.
Sources & References
- Original news report on Singapore's National Environment Agency issuing preventive notices to three more Indonesian companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
