SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore has vowed to use all available legal and regulatory measures against companies potentially linked to the haze that has blanketed several Southeast Asian countries, including introducing new laws if necessary.
Senior Minister K Shanmugam warned that the measures could affect the companies' bottom lines, access to financing and standing with investors, regardless of whether they have a presence in Singapore.
"If necessary, we will amend current legislation or introduce new laws, on an urgent basis, to ensure further cooperation.
"Companies cannot claim to be environmentally responsible while refusing to subject themselves to scrutiny," he told Singapore media following his visit to Woodlands Checkpoint on Monday.
Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, said several Indonesian companies that were issued preventive measure notices by the National Environment Agency (NEA) appeared to have links to Singapore-based companies.
"We are looking at those links. For example, investigations show that Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) buys from three of the companies to which NEA has sent notices."
"Some of the fires or smoke-source points seem to be associated with Singapore-listed First Resources and Bumitama Agri, as well as First Borneo Plantations. We will be asking more questions of these companies,” he said.
He said the Singapore Exchange (SGX) had also sought clarification from seven Singapore-listed agricultural companies over their operations and possible links to the haze. The companies are Golden-Agri Resources, Bumitama Agri, First Resources, Wilmar, Kencana Agri, Indofood Agri and TSH Resources.
Meanwhile, Shanmugam expressed Singapore's appreciation to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and his administration for their efforts to tackle the ongoing forest fires and haze.
He said Prabowo had personally committed to prohibiting slash-and-burn practices on peatlands and prioritising fire prevention as a long-term solution.
Shanmugam said some of the measures were unprecedented and reflected the Indonesian government's commitment to addressing the situation.
"We also welcome President Prabowo’s approval of foreign assistance to combat the fires.
"We, Singapore, have offered our assistance and we will do our part to support," he said. -- BERNAMA
