# Singapore Passes Enhanced Transboundary Haze Pollution Law Minister Grace Fu emphasizes international cooperation alongside new legislative powers to combat regional haze. - **Source:** [CNA – Singapore](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/96f087f1-ce32-4e35-9e32-afd97c0603d0 ## Legislative Unanimous Approval Singapore’s parliament unanimously passed the Transboundary Haze Pollution (Amendment) Bill on November 4, 2026. The legislation, which expands the government's regulatory reach, followed a six-hour debate involving 24 Members of Parliament. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu noted the law is one of many tools to address regional pollution. ## Limits of National Sovereignty Minister Grace Fu explicitly stated that the new legislation is not a silver bullet for the recurring haze crisis. She acknowledged the inherent limitations of Singaporean law regarding conduct occurring outside national borders. The government remains committed to respecting the sovereignty of neighboring states while seeking collective action against unsustainable forestry practices. ## Private Firms for Investigations To bypass jurisdictional barriers, the government appointed private law firm Davinder Singh Chambers as the coordinator for anti-haze probes. Senior Minister K Shanmugam explained that private entities are more likely to gain access to foreign jurisdictions than government agencies. These firms will conduct necessary inquiries, with costs covered by the investigated companies. ## Targeted Regulatory Enforcement The National Environment Agency will implement its expanded powers in a measured and targeted manner. Directions will focus on three entity categories: those convicted under the Act, those with business dealings with such entities, and those sufficiently related to them. This structure aims to assess risks without imposing undue burdens on legitimate businesses. ## Safeguarding Business Operations Addressing concerns from MPs like Jessica Tan, the government emphasized that proportionality and accuracy remain central to enforcement. Businesses will not face penalties if they were unaware of their dealings with a designated entity. Authorities plan to provide reasonable transition arrangements to minimize disruptions for small and medium-sized enterprises operating responsibly. ## Assessment and Remedial Actions The National Environment Agency may direct companies to take remedial actions or publicize adverse reports based on assessor findings. These reports will be shared with government agencies, including the Attorney-General's Chambers, to determine if further prosecution is required. The process ensures that legal advice and litigation privileges are strictly maintained throughout. ## Financial Responsibility Principles Senior Minister K Shanmugam clarified that taxpayers will not fund the investigative coordination efforts. Instead, the companies under investigation are responsible for the costs incurred by the appointed private firms. This policy ensures that the financial burden of compliance and inquiry remains with the entities potentially contributing to the transboundary haze pollution. ## Future Policy Outlook While the amendment strengthens Singapore's legal framework, the government maintains that international cooperation is the ultimate solution. Future subsidiary legislation will provide detailed rules for assessors and entities. The administration continues to coordinate with agencies like the Monetary Authority of Singapore to ensure the law is implemented carefully and effectively. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/changes-haze-law-not-silver-bullet-parliament-6524361 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._