Singapore Parliament To Review Haze Laws And Worker Safety
Singapore’s Parliament is set to prioritize discussions on the Republic’s response to haze, focusing on the legal and regulatory tools available to combat air pollution. More than 30 Members of Parliament have submitted over 50 questions regarding the government’s strategy to handle the haze, which saw a significant escalation in early September, marking one of the most severe episodes in over a decade. A primary point of focus is the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), a piece of legislation passed in 2014 designed to target those who cause or condone fires that lead to cross-border pollution.
Strengthening The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act
The THPA is triggered when the Pollutant Standards Index indicates that air quality has remained in the unhealthy range for 24 hours or more in any part of the country. Despite being utilized twice, the law has yet to result in any fines or convictions. In 2015 and 2026, preventive measure notices were issued to several firms. Out of six cases initiated in 2015, two were closed, while four remain open. This lack of convictions has prompted lawmakers from various political backgrounds to question the status of these pending cases and the specific challenges authorities face in bringing them to a conclusion.
Lawmakers are particularly concerned with enforcement gaps. Some have asked whether legislative amendments are necessary to address difficulties in determining liability, especially when the entities responsible for the fires operate through complex corporate ownership structures. There is a strong push to identify and take more effective action against companies linked to the widespread burning in Indonesia.
To address these issues, the government has indicated that changes to the THPA will be introduced. These amendments aim to give the law more teeth by requiring companies to provide appointed investigators with full access to corporate documents, business premises, and essential information. There has been discussion regarding introducing these changes on an urgent basis, which would involve a Certificate of Urgency to allow for rapid debate and voting.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups And Workers
Beyond the legal framework, Parliament is examining the human cost of poor air quality. Members have raised concerns regarding the health and safety of outdoor workers, students, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Specific inquiries have been made regarding the adequacy of indoor air filtration systems in community care facilities, healthcare centers, malls, and pre-schools to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected during haze episodes.
Additionally, there are requests for improved forecasting. Lawmakers have suggested that longer-interval PM2.5 forecasts would be beneficial, allowing citizens to better plan their daily activities and minimize exposure when air quality deteriorates.
Other Parliamentary Discussions
While the haze remains a priority, the legislative session will cover several other significant topics. Parliament will discuss proposed changes to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. The Land Transport Authority has suggested merging categories A and B and implementing a rebate or surcharge based on a vehicle’s value. This is intended to create a clearer price distinction between mass-market cars and high-end models. However, some lawmakers worry that this scheme could inadvertently raise prices for mass-market vehicles or discourage the adoption of high-performance electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the transition to a next-generation Electronic Road Pricing system by 2027 will be discussed. This new system will utilize satellite positioning to determine vehicle locations for tolling. Questions have been raised about how this technology will improve enforcement and whether the collected data could assist other government agencies in their investigations.
Finally, the House will debate three Bills, including one aimed at simplifying divorce proceedings for Muslim couples. The proposed changes would allow couples who have reached an agreement on all related issues to complete the process up to six months faster, removing the requirement to appoint a marital conciliator. Another Bill seeks to tighten the licensing of maritime services, granting the Maritime and Port Authority more power to regulate the sector and set cybersecurity requirements to protect critical infrastructure.