Singapore issues first haze-law notices to 10 local palm oil and forestry firms

Singapore's National Environment Agency on Friday issued notices to 10 Singapore-registered companies seeking documents and information, the first time it has done so for such firms under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, CNA reported. The companies, including Wilmar International and Golden Agri International, are in the palm oil or forestry business and own land concessions in Indonesia or have related companies that do.

The firms must provide details on their links to associated companies, concession locations and fire prevention measures, CNA said. The Business Times reported that Singapore-listed agribusinesses have sought to distance themselves from the fires.

Why it matters: Haze from fires in Indonesia has hit Singapore's air quality, and the law allows action against firms that contribute to it.