Full Breakdown
Singapore Investigates Companies Behind Indonesian Fires Amid Worsening Haze
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Legal Probe and Air-Quality Crisis
Singapore’s air quality deteriorated sharply in mid-October 2026 as smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia drifted over the city-state. The Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong, announced that the government is examining which companies may be responsible for the fires and warned that “where warranted” Singapore will pursue action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act and explore joint action with other countries. The haze has forced airport diversions, suspended outdoor dining, and prompted the distribution of N95-type masks to vulnerable residents.
Background & Context
The current haze episode follows an intense wildfire season in Indonesia, amplified by a strong El Niño-driven dry spell. The region is experiencing its worst bout of haze since the 2015 crisis, which previously pushed Singapore’s PM2.5 levels to a national record of 471 µg/m³. The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, enacted in September 2014, permits Singapore to take legal action against entities whose activities—whether domestic or overseas—contribute to haze that harms Singapore.
Data & Statistics
- Air-quality readings:
- One-hour PM2.5 reached 284 µg/m³ in western Singapore (NBC).
- A separate measurement recorded 288 µg/m³ at 3 p.m..
- The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) peaked at 212 in the west and 227 nationwide (The Straits Times).
- Market impact:
- Shares of palm-oil producer First Resources fell 9.1 % to US$3.71 (The Straits Times).
- Bumitama Agri declined 7.5 % to US$1.73.
- Golden Agri-Resources dropped 6.9 % to US$0.27.
Official Statements & Responses
- Grace Fu (Minister for Sustainability and the Environment) – Stated on Oct 14 that Singapore is “keeping its options open” while collecting and reviewing haze data.
- Josephine Teo (Minister for Digital Development and Information) – Reported that masks are being distributed and air-conditioned shelters set up for residents.
- Prabowo Subianto (President of Indonesia) – Confirmed deployment of additional resources to combat the fires, including over 69,000 firefighting personnel.
- Amir Hamzah Azizan (Malaysia’s Second Finance Minister) – Called for a coordinated ASEAN response and offered to deploy water bombers to assist.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Air-quality metrics differ between sources: NBC cites a PM2.5 level of 284 µg/m³, while Channel News Asia reports 288 µg/m³ for the same period, and PSI figures vary between 212 and 227.
- Identification of culpable firms remains incomplete. A Greenpeace investigation named First Resources and Bumitama Agri as having concession areas linked to haze source points, but the companies attribute the fires to external blazes and severe drought. An earlier probe into four firms from the 2015 haze episode is still ongoing, leaving a gap in definitive accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are looking into which companies may be responsible for the fires,” — Lawrence Wong, prime minister
- “We will ensure support is available to those who need it,” — Mr Wong, prime minister
What’s Next
ASEAN foreign ministers are slated to discuss transboundary haze at a meeting next month, where Singapore is expected to outline its legal and cooperative options. The National Environment Agency continues to monitor fire hotspots and air-quality data, with the government maintaining the option to invoke the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act as investigations progress.