Singapore haze: PM Wong warns of legal action over Indonesian fires
Smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region keeps Singapore's air quality unhealthy, disrupting flights, outdoor dining and major events.
At a glance
- Singapore's air quality stayed unhealthy on Thursday as smoke from fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region drifted over the city-state.
- PM Lawrence Wong said firms potentially responsible could face action under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
- Seletar Airport logged 16 diversions due to low visibility, while outdoor dining venues and Marina Bay Sands curtailed activities.
Singapore's air quality remained at unhealthy levels on Thursday as smoke from widespread forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region continued to drift over the city-state, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warning of possible legal action against companies blamed for the fires.
In a post on X on Thursday night, Wong said the government was looking into companies potentially responsible for the fires. He said authorities could act under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act where warranted, and were also exploring joint action with other countries.
According to the National Environment Agency, air quality in Singapore first deteriorated to unhealthy levels on Sept. 4 — the first time in nearly three years, based on government data.
Flights and businesses affected
The haze has disrupted travel and commerce. Seletar Airport has recorded 16 diversions because of low visibility, spokespeople for Changi Airport Group and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore told CNBC in a joint reply.
Some outdoor dining establishments, including outdoor restaurants and hawker centers, have reported a drop in business, according to local media. A Marina Bay Sands spokesperson told CNBC by email that "certain outdoor experiences that involve prolonged exposure to the outdoors have been temporarily suspended," and that the hotel is providing masks and air purifiers to guests.
Ride-hailing and delivery platform Grab said it has been distributing masks and issuing advisories to its platform workers.
Regional response
Singapore's Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday that the haze was "not the best way to welcome our international guests," as the city-state hosts Singapore International Cyber Week, which has drawn a record turnout of more than 15,000 visitors from over 100 countries.
Teo said the government had begun preparations weeks earlier to support residents, including distributing masks to those most in need. She said it remains unclear when the haze will improve, adding that Singapore has been in close contact with Indonesian officials to understand their needs and stands ready to provide assistance.
The haze has also affected neighboring Malaysia. Malaysia's Second Finance Minister, Amir Hamzah Azizan, told CNBC on Wednesday that the situation requires a coordinated response across Southeast Asia, and said the country has offered to deploy water bombers and other resources. "It is an issue that needs an ASEAN solution," he said.
Source: CNBC.
Questions and answers
- Why is Singapore experiencing haze?
- Smoke from widespread forest and peatland fires in Indonesia's Kalimantan region is drifting into Singapore, pushing air quality to unhealthy levels, according to the National Environment Agency.
- What action is Singapore taking over the haze?
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the government is looking into companies potentially responsible for the fires and could take legal action under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, while also exploring joint action with other countries.
- How is the haze affecting travel and business in Singapore?
- Seletar Airport has seen 16 diversions due to low visibility. Some outdoor restaurants and hawker centers reported lower business, and Marina Bay Sands temporarily suspended certain outdoor experiences while providing masks and air purifiers.
