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Singapore-listed First Resources welcomes authorities' probe over haze links, including on-ground checks
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Singapore-listed First Resources welcomes authorities' probe over haze links, including on-ground checks

Singapore-based palm oil producer First Resources has stated that it welcomes investigations by Singaporean authorities into its potential involvement in the transboundary haze crisis. The company emphasized its commitment to a 'zero-burning policy' and expressed confidence that evidence will demonstrate it does not engage in land clearing through fire. It called for a thorough, evidence-based examination of the situation, citing factors such as satellite imagery, documentation of firefighting efforts, and spatial data on conservation areas. This comes amid recent announcements by Singapore's leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister K Shanmugam, indicating the government's intent to pursue legal and regulatory actions against companies linked to haze-causing fires. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has already issued haze prevention notices to ten companies. While First Resources acknowledges the need for factual verification, it denies any responsibility for the current haze and advocates for collaborative efforts involving governments, corporations, and local communities to address the issue.

Singapore has issued preventive measure notices to ten companies in Indonesia, accusing them of starting or allowing fires that generated the transboundary haze currently affecting the city-state. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced on October 16 that the National Environment Agency (NEA) would serve notices on seven firms located in Sumatra. On October 19, the NEA confirmed that three additional companies in Kalimantan had been targeted, bringing the total number of firms investigated under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) to ten. The notices, derived from Singaporean investigations, mandate specific actions from the recipients. Each company is required to deploy firefighting personnel to extinguish or prevent the spread of any fire on land it owns or occupies. They must also cease or refrain from initiating any burning activities on such land. Furthermore, the firms are obligated to submit action plans to the NEA detailing how they intend to extinguish existing fires and prevent future occurrences. The initial seven companies identified on October 16 are PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau, PT Paramitra Mulia Langgeng, PT Sumatera Alam Anugerah, PT SBA Wood Industries, PT Hutan Lestari Raya, and PT Bangkanesia. The three firms added on October 19 are Buana Megatama Jaya, Mananjung Hayak, and Baratama Putra Perkasa. According to the NEA, Mananjung Hayak operates an oil palm plantation, while Baratama Putra Perkasa and Buana Megatama Jaya run pulp plantations. Of the ten companies identified thus far, nine are pulp plantations and one is an oil palm plantation. Authorities determined the identities of these firms by analyzing satellite imagery and meteorological data concerning regional hot spots and smoke plumes. Minister Fu stated that the identification process relies on various information sources, including open-source imagery, because not all relevant data falls within Singapore’s jurisdiction. The NEA indicated that smoke from fires in Kalimantan had spread to Singapore from lands held via concessions by the three newly targeted companies. For the initial group, the haze originated from fires on lands owned by the seven Sumatran firms. Four of the ten companies have been identified as suppliers to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a major player in the region’s pulp and paper industry and part of the Sinar Mas conglomerate. These suppliers are Bumi Andalas Permai, Bumi Mekar Hijau, SBA Wood Industries, and Buana Megatama Jaya. APP was previously linked to the severe haze that blanketed the region in 2015. Three of these four suppliers, excluding Buana Megatama Jaya, received similar legal notices during the 2015 crisis, and those cases remain unresolved. In response to the ongoing situation, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) issued a Notice of Temporary Restrictions on APP’s green label on October 19. This measure imposes daily fire response reporting requirements and strict monitoring to ensure effective fire prevention and suppression in the concession areas managed by its suppliers. The SEC warned that APP’s SGLS+ certificate could be suspended if the additional reporting fails to demonstrate that strengthened measures have been implemented effectively. A suspension would prohibit the use of the SGLS+ logo on associated products. During the 2015 haze episode, the SEC had suspended the green label on APP products, leading supermarkets to remove items such as the Paseo brand from shelves. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on October 15 that Singapore was investigating companies potentially responsible for the fires. He stated that the government would take action under the THPA where warranted and explore joint initiatives with neighboring nations. The THPA, enacted in 2014, allows for legal proceedings if the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) remains in the unhealthy range, defined as 101 or higher, for 24 hours or more in any part of Singapore. Offenders face fines of up to $100,000 per day, with a maximum penalty of $2 million. The current haze episode has resulted in 12 consecutive days of unhealthy air as of October 16, marking the longest continuous stretch of poor air quality since the 2015 crisis. In 2015, Singapore endured 14 days of bad air. The PSI reached a seasonal high of 212 in the western part of Singapore at noon on October 15. Minister Fu predicted that the haze would persist for another three to four weeks until wind patterns shift, warning that conditions could reach hazardous levels. The government has distributed masks, including N95 respirators, to vulnerable residents and opened air-conditioned shelters at community centers. Officials also discussed the potential rescheduling of O Level examinations if air quality deteriorates further. Singapore has engaged with Indonesian officials regarding the crisis. Minister Fu spoke with Indonesia’s Minister for Environment in September and again on October 16 to offer civilian assistance for firefighting and cloud seeding. Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir stated on October 15 that the country accepted foreign aid, noting that President Prabowo Subianto had approved the assistance and technical discussions were underway. Separately, an October 5 report by Greenpeace linked two Singapore-listed palm oil companies, Bumitama Agri and First Resources, along with the private firm First Borneo Plantations, to plantation areas in Indonesia where fires were detected. First Resources responded on October 20 by welcoming on-the-ground inspections and documentary reviews. The company asserted that it maintains a strict zero-burning policy and believes an objective review of satellite imagery and fire suppression records would exonerate it. First Resources’ share price dropped more than 10 percent following the Greenpeace report, closing at S$3.74 on October 20. Bumitama Agri requested a trading halt on October 16 after its shares fell 4.81 percent. Senior Minister K Shanmugam stated on October 20 that Singapore would utilize all legal and regulatory tools to apply pressure on responsible companies, including measures affecting their finances and access to capital. He emphasized that corporate statements regarding zero-burning policies are insufficient without supporting evidence. Minister Fu noted that while past cases have highlighted practical challenges in enforcing transboundary haze laws, the government continues to refine its approach. She declined to specify immediate penalties for the ten notified companies but indicated that fines or criminal charges remain possibilities under consideration. The NEA stated it would share collected evidence with other agencies for parallel investigations.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

6 reports

Channel NewsAsia (CNA) logoChannel NewsAsia (CNA)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 92
Singapore to send haze prevention notices to 7 companies in Indonesia responsible for fires

Singapore has announced it will issue preventive notices to seven Indonesian companies linked to forest fires that contribute to regional haze. The notices, issued under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act by the National Environment Agency (NEA), require the companies to take immediate action to extinguish fires on their land and submit plans to prevent future occurrences. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that the government will continue monitoring the situation and may consider additional measures, including fines, depending on the effectiveness of the notices. While Singapore has previously offered assistance to Indonesia in combating fires, it remains unclear whether Indonesia has accepted the latest offer of support, including civilian firefighting aid and cloud-seeding operations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Singapore's legal actions against Indonesian companies contributing to haze pollution. It includes direct quotes from the minister and outlines the procedural steps being taken without overtly favoring one side. There is no evident bias in the framing,措

Why factuality (95): The article clearly identifies the seven companies targeted by Singapore and outlines the requirements placed upon them through the preventive measure notices. This aligns precisely with the cross-source consensus and provides additional specifics not included in earlier articles. The information is

Why objectivity (92): The article is highly neutral in tone, presenting the facts without editorializing or showing favoritism. It includes direct quotes from Minister Grace Fu and provides context about the legal framework and potential future actions. The language is measured and balanced.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 90
NEA issues notices to three more companies in Indonesia over haze role

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued notices to three additional Indonesian companies, Buana Megatama Jaya, Mananjung Hayak, and Baratama Putra Perkasa, under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA). These companies operate oil palm and pulp plantations in Kalimantan, and there are indications that fires on their land contributed to haze affecting Singapore. The notices require the companies to deploy firefighting measures, cease burning activities, and submit action plans to prevent future fires. This brings the total number of companies targeted under the THPA to 10. Earlier, seven companies in Sumatra were identified using satellite and meteorological data, with nine being pulp plantations and one an oil palm plantation. Four of these 10 companies supply Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a major firm linked to past haze episodes. Some of these companies previously received similar notices during the 2015 haze crisis.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about legal actions taken by Singapore's NEA against Indonesian companies linked to haze pollution. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content remains neutral in tone, focusing on procedural actions,公司

Why factuality (90): The article clearly lists the three new companies issued notices under the THPA and provides specific details about their operations. It aligns with other sources about the total number of companies and their types (pulp vs. oil palm plantations). The reference to Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and its con

Why objectivity (90): The article presents the information objectively, using direct quotes from NEA and quoting Minister Grace Fu. It avoids emotional language and remains focused on the factual aspects of the legal notices and the companies involved.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 90
Asia Pulp & Paper, tied to haze-linked suppliers, given temporary restrictions by SEC

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP), a company linked to past haze incidents in Southeast Asia, has been placed under temporary restrictions by Singapore's Environment Council (SEC). This follows recent fires caused by its suppliers' land operations in South Sumatra, Indonesia, contributing to regional haze. Under the new restrictions, APP must report daily on fire responses and implement stricter monitoring to prevent and suppress fires in its suppliers' concession areas. Failure to comply could lead to the suspension of its SGLS+ certification, which allows the use of the green label on its products. The affected suppliers, Bumi Mekar Hijau, Bumi Andalas Permai, and Sebangun Bumi Andalas, are among those previously involved in the 2015 haze crisis. Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) has issued legal notices to 10 Indonesian companies, including four linked to APP, demanding an end to illegal burning and fire suppression plans.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about regulatory actions taken by Singapore's Environment Council against a company linked to environmental issues. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content focuses on procedural and environmental监管,

Why factuality (90): The article accurately describes the temporary restrictions placed on Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) due to its suppliers' involvement in haze-causing fires. It references the specific suppliers and aligns with other articles about the 10 companies targeted by NEA

Why objectivity (90): The article remains neutral in tone, focusing on the actions taken by the SEC and the implications for APP. It does not express opinion or bias but rather presents the facts as reported by the SEC and NEA.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 88
NEA has sent legal notices to 7 companies under haze law, will take further action where warranted

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) will issue legal notices to seven Indonesian companies suspected of contributing to the transboundary haze affecting the country. These notices, issued under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), require the companies to stop burning on their lands and submit plans to extinguish existing fires. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that investigations using satellite imagery and meteorological data identified these companies as contributors to the haze. The government anticipates the haze will persist for three to four weeks and has prepared measures such as distributing masks and potentially rescheduling exams if conditions worsen. This follows Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's earlier statement that Singapore would investigate and take action against companies responsible for haze-causing fires.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding legal actions taken by Singapore's government under the THPA. It includes direct quotes from officials and outlines the procedures being followed without apparent bias toward any particular political stance. There is no indication of loaded language

Why factuality (90): This article provides detailed information about the seven companies targeted by Singapore under the THPA, aligning with the cross-source consensus. It explains the process used by NEA to identify these companies and the legal notices being issued. The content is well-supported and consistent with o

Why objectivity (88): The article remains largely objective but slightly leans toward emphasizing Singapore's proactive approach in addressing the haze issue. While it presents factual information, the phrasing occasionally highlights Singapore's efforts in a positive light, which could be seen as a minor tilt.

The Straits Times logoThe Straits TimesParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 90
Singapore looking into which companies responsible for haze-causing fires: PM Wong

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has announced that the government is investigating which companies are responsible for the haze caused by fires. He emphasized that Singapore will take legal action against those found accountable under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act when necessary.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a straightforward statement from the prime minister regarding an environmental issue and potential legal actions. There is no evident framing that favors one side over another, and the content remains focused on the factual announcement without overtly biased language or one-sid

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports PM Wong's statements regarding Singapore's investigation into companies responsible for haze-causing fires and mentions the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act. It includes quotes from both PM Wong and Indonesian Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir, aligning with the cross-

Why objectivity (90): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting facts without overt bias. It quotes officials and provides context about Singapore's actions and cooperation with Indonesia. The language is factual and avoids emotional or loaded terms.

Channel NewsAsia (CNA) logoChannel NewsAsia (CNA)State / PublicCenterFactual 85Objective 85
Singapore-listed First Resources welcomes authorities' probe over haze links, including on-ground checks

Singapore-based palm oil producer First Resources has stated that it welcomes investigations by Singaporean authorities into its potential involvement in the transboundary haze crisis. The company emphasized its commitment to a 'zero-burning policy' and expressed confidence that evidence will demonstrate it does not engage in land clearing through fire. It called for a thorough, evidence-based examination of the situation, citing factors such as satellite imagery, documentation of firefighting efforts, and spatial data on conservation areas. This comes amid recent announcements by Singapore's leadership, including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Senior Minister K Shanmugam, indicating the government's intent to pursue legal and regulatory actions against companies linked to haze-causing fires. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has already issued haze prevention notices to ten companies. While First Resources acknowledges the need for factual verification, it denies any responsibility for the current haze and advocates for collaborative efforts involving governments, corporations, and local communities to address the issue.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the company's position and the government's stance without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the company and government officials, providing balanced perspectives on the issue. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that would skew

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports First Resources' welcome of on-the-ground inspections and its confidence in proving it does not engage in land clearing by fire. It references statements from Singapore's leaders and aligns with other articles about the NEA's actions and the government's intentions. Ho

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the company's position neutrally, quoting its statements and those of Singapore's leaders. While it mentions the company's confidence in its position, it does not take sides or present alternative viewpoints.

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