Singapore sends warning notices to Indonesian companies

Singaporeans wear masks in response to the haze pollution caused by Indonesian companies. (Source: VNA)

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has sent warning notices to four Indonesian companies, which were determined to cause the current haze pollution in Singapore.

According to the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), the warning notices were sent to PT Rimba Hutani Mas, PT Sebangun Bumi Andalas Wood Industries, PT Bumi Sriwijaya Sentosa and PT Wachyuni Mandira, requesting these companies to deploy firefighters to prevent the spread of fires within the realm of their responsibilities.

These companies were also asked to stop burning forest in the area under their control and send action plans to the NEA.

Earlier, the NEA also requested Indonesian relevant agencies to assist with the investigation.

This is one of steps to implement the Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA).

Based on the THPA standards, haze pollution has happened four times in Singapore since September 10.

Minister of the MEWR Vivian Balakrishnan told the press that Indonesia has applied some positive measures to contain the haze pollution but more actions are needed.

He emphasised that the haze pollution is not a natural disaster but caused by people and cannot be tolerated, adding that the NEA’s investigation results will be made public, so companies will have to bear responsibility towards Singaporean people.

The Singaporean governments are considering economic measures towards companies that do not meet environmental standards.

Singapore had to close its schools since September 25 as haze pollution reached the hazardous level.-VNA