Singapore has formed a seven-person committee to examine businesses connected to Indonesia’s land-clearing fires, which have caused the country’s most severe haze in recent years. The committee comprises three law firms, WongPartnership, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson, and TSMP Law Corporation, alongside forensic specialists from Control Risks, FTI Consulting, and Kroll. Their task is to evaluate corporate involvement in fires responsible for this year’s extended haze period, which started in September and has frequently pushed air quality into the “unhealthy” category.

The government named Davinder Singh Chambers as advisor to oversee the committee’s efforts, ensuring their findings align with the priorities of the National Environment Agency (NEA). At least 20 companies, spanning agriculture, forestry, and palm oil, are under review. Each must appoint a team, chosen by the NEA, consisting of one investigations firm and one law firm from the panel. These teams will examine operations, supply chains, and business partnerships, with full cooperation expected from the companies involved.

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Companies will cover the costs of these evaluations. The NEA will review the results and decide whether additional measures are necessary. Singapore’s government has also proposed changes to the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 to tighten enforcement, including mandatory document production and unrestricted access for investigators to business sites. Violations could now be classified as criminal offenses.

This year’s haze episode has been worsened by El Niño conditions. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) first exceeded the “unhealthy” threshold of 101 on September 4, marking the first breach since late 2023. The index reached its highest point of 192 on October 9. The NEA has already issued Section 10 notices to ten Singapore-based firms, including agribusiness leader Wilmar International, requiring details on their potential ties to the fires.