Transboundary Haze Pollution Act of 2014

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In Singapore, Senior Minister Kay Shanmugam met leaders of the 10 Singapore-registered companies served notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act last week.

He said the government will table amendments to the act when Parliament sits on November 3.

Under the proposals, firms linked to the fires would have to engage independent assessors from an approved panel at their own expense, and refusing to cooperate would be an offense.

It's seeking more details on their fire prevention measures and whether the fires and haze have materially affected their businesses.

Companies must also disclose any links with the 10 firms that have received preventive measure notices under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014.

The additional queries come as Singapore authorities step up scrutiny of businesses linked to the Indonesian fires that have caused transboundary haze.

Meanwhile, thousands of university students in at least four Indonesian cities are expected to hold protests today.

All 10 Singapore-based companies issued legal notices over possible links to fires in Indonesia have acknowledged requests from the National Environment Agency for information.

The firms, which operate in the palm oil or forestry sectors, must provide documents and details under Singapore's Transboundary Haze Pollution Act by November 2.

Three companies, Indo Food Agri Resources, TSH Global Plantation and TSH Oversea, have not explicitly committed to cooperating with the NEA's requests.

The other seven companies are Asia Pulp and Paper Company, APP China, Bumitama Agri, Golden Agri International, First Resources, Kensana Agri and Wilmar International.