Singapore studies possibility of extra-territorial legislation on transboundary haze

Singapore's attorney-general is studying the possibility of introducing extra-territorial legislation to deal with transboundary haze, which has been a recurring problem in the region, Law and Foreign Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Monday. Speaking in the parliament, Shanmugam said he asked the attorney-general to consider what legal options are available if there is credible and usable evidence that Singapore-linked companies are involved. The slash-and-burn practices are still seen in Sumatra in neighboring Indonesia, leading to thick smog over Singapore and many of the cities in Malaysia recently. The air pollutant index soared to unprecedented hazardous levels, affecting the tourism industry, too. The smog was reduced only recently by rains in the region. A number of companies in the palm oil industry, including some from Singapore, have reportedly been involved in such practices in the dry season, typically from June to October, to save cost. Shanmugam stressed that the primary responsibility for taking action against the companies still lies with Indonesia. He said Singapore is still awaiting Indonesia's response after the republic formally sought clarification through a diplomatic note on whether any Singapore companies were involved. He said it is important to focus on cooperation and to persuade neighbors to work together to put in place a long-term solution. "Where we raise it, when we raise it, how we raise it, whether issues of international law get involved, we have worked out the options. I don't think it is very fruitful to come out and talk about them in great detail. It will create more tensions," he said. Shanmugam said the Indonesian government has said it will be submitting the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution Agreement to the Indonesian House of Representatives for ratification soon. The agreement has been ratified by the other members of the ASEAN.