Follow Singapore Immigration and Singapore Legislation: According to a report by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao on February 20, the Singaporean government has drafted a Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill. In the future, if the country's air quality is affected by haze caused by cross-border "slash-and-burn" (the practice of clearing land for agriculture by burning tropical rainforests) and remains at an unhealthy level for 24 hours, Singapore will be able to prosecute any Singaporean or foreign company, enterprise, or organization engaged in "slash-and-burn" activities.
The proposed Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill is divided into criminal and civil sections. Once a criminal charge is established, the legal entity of the involved local or foreign company can be fined up to 300,000 Singapore dollars. If the involved party deliberately ignores Singapore's requests and fails to take action to prevent, reduce, or control haze pollution, the fine will increase to a maximum of 450,000 Singapore dollars.
It is understood that if a foreign company or organization is involved in "slash-and-burn," its management personnel will face prosecution as soon as they set foot in the country.
In addition, if members of the public suffer health problems or related financial losses due to haze pollution, they can also file civil lawsuits against the overseas slash-and-burn companies or enterprises in Singaporean courts.
Transboundary haze has plagued Singapore for many years. Last year, Singapore suffered its worst haze crisis, with the Air Pollution Index soaring to over 400 points, reaching a "very hazardous" level.
