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Singapore's move to target companies linked to transboundary haze not issue of sovereignty: MEWR

Xinhua, June 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

Singapore's move to target companies linked to transboundary haze pollution is not an issue of sovereignty or national dignity, stressed the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) on Wednesday.

MEWR has noticed the recent media articles quoting remarks made by Indonesian Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar, said the ministry in a press release.

MEWR reiterated that the purpose of the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) is to deter and prosecute entities that are responsible for transboundary haze pollution in Singapore, whether Singaporean or foreign, as well as persons holding positions of responsibility in these entities.

The ministry added that the THPA was drafted with advice from experts in international law and complies with international law, which is not directed at any individual nor company based on nationality.

"The key driver of the recurring transboundary haze is commercial. The ministry's actions are therefore directed at irresponsible companies which clear land by burning," said MEWR, calling for collective efforts by governments and all stakeholders due to the widespread and transboundary nature of the resultant haze.

The ministry also said that Indonesia should welcome THPA, as MEWR called it "an additional tool" to curtail irresponsible activities that have affected the health, social and economic well-being of Indonesians and people in the region.

MEWR also emphasized that Singapore respects Indonesian sovereignty, and Singapore has always upheld its bilateral relations with Indonesia.

"The ministry remains committed to working with its Indonesian counterparts to bring errant companies to task, and tackle the fires and haze problem in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect," added MEWR.

Under the THPA, which was passed by the Parliament of Singapore in August 2014, the city state can impose a fine on a local or foreign company contributes to unhealthy levels of haze pollution in Singapore, the cap for the total fine is 2 million Singapore dollars (1.48 million U.S. dollars). Enditem