Singapore’s stronger haze law: How it might work and what it may not fix

She called for more consideration at the ecosystem level, acknowledging that this was “more difficult”. 

For example, this could include restoring and protecting peatland ecosystems so that they are less flammable, and drawing on indigenous knowledge of communities that practise swidden farming, she added. 

Swidden farming is a traditional agricultural method where forest plots are temporarily cleared and burnt to create nutrient-rich ash for growing crops, then left to regenerate while farmers move to a new area. 

Assoc Prof Lim also stressed that Indonesia has the “primary responsibility” for regulating, monitoring and restoring peatland ecosystems, and holding perpetrators responsible.  

“Much still depends on Indonesia, including the extent to which it doesn’t stand in the way of what Singapore is trying to achieve,” she added. 

The amendments add more tools and “considerable muscle” to Singapore’s powers, but they are not a “magic bullet on their own”, said SIIA’s Mr Tay.

They do not guarantee that haze will never recur. “Cooperation within the ASEAN framework and with Indonesia and other neighbouring countries will also be essential,” he added.

Several challenges remain, such as access to overseas evidence, corporate transparency and the underlying incentives from unsustainable land-use practices, said SUSS’ Assoc Prof Razwana. Tackling these would require measures beyond legislation.

Stronger information-sharing arrangements across the region could improve access to concession maps, corporate ownership records and fire investigation findings, she added. 

“Singapore’s amended framework provides stronger legal tools, but lasting progress will depend on aligning enforcement with responsible business practices, environmental protection and regional cooperation,” she said.