The government has introduced a sweeping amendment to its haze‑prevention law. The changes are notable because they give authorities far stronger tools to punish companies linked to transboundary pollution, and they come after a prolonged period of haze that affected the city‑state.

Under the new amendments, offenses under the Act are now classified as arrestable. Courts may also conduct trials in absentia against defendants who are overseas or cannot be contacted.

Fines for non‑compliant companies have been increased tenfold, reaching nearly US$800,000 for each day of violation, and the maximum penalty can exceed $15.6 million. These figures represent a dramatic rise from the penalties set in the 2014 law.

The government can now require firms to appoint private‑sector assessors to investigate fires, business activities and corporate relationships. Authorities may also impose restrictions on designated companies, including limiting their access to financial services in Singapore. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore needs more effective tools to gather information, trace complex corporate links and impose deterrent penalties, allowing earlier intervention before haze reaches the country.

The amendments respond to several weeks of haze from Indonesian forest fires and aim to overcome the enforcement challenges that limited the 2014 law. By making violations arrestable, raising fines, and adding investigative powers, Singapore shows how a country can dramatically tighten penalties to combat cross‑border pollution.