Singapur enviará avisos de prevención de neblina a 7 empresas en Indonesia responsables de los incendios

Singapore has taken a firm step in addressing the transboundary haze by sending preventive measure notices to seven Indonesian companies identified as responsible for fires contributing to the current haze episode. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu announced this move during a press conference on Friday (October 16). These notices, issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), require the companies to deploy firefighting personnel, cease burning activities, and submit action plans to extinguish and prevent future fires on their lands. The seven companies targeted 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. According to Fu, the notices are based on investigations conducted by Singapore's authorities, which have tracked hotspots and smoke from fires in the region to determine the companies responsible for the haze. Fu emphasized that the government would continue monitoring the situation and the companies' responses to these notices. Further actions under the THPA would be considered if necessary. While she did not specify immediate penalties, she mentioned that fines or charges remain within the realm of consideration depending on the effectiveness of the initial measures. The identification of these companies involved analyzing satellite imagery and meteorological data, along with information gathered from multiple sources. Some of the data required for these investigations lies outside Singapore's jurisdiction, necessitating collaboration with international sources. The haze has persisted in Singapore for over a week, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching a seasonal high of 212 in the western part of the city on October 15. This marks the longest continuous stretch of poor air quality since the 2015 haze crisis. The THPA, enacted in 2014, allows Singapore to act when the PSI stays in the unhealthy range (101 and above) for 24 hours or more. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong confirmed on October 15 that Singapore is investigating companies potentially responsible for the fires. He stated that the government would take appropriate action under the THPA and explore joint initiatives with other countries. Wong acknowledged the difficulty of controlling external factors but reiterated the commitment to protecting Singaporeans. In response to the haze, the government has begun distributing masks, particularly N95 respirators, to vulnerable groups and providing air-conditioned shelters in community centers. The potential rescheduling of O Level examinations is also under consideration should the air quality deteriorate further. Singapore has also reached out to its Indonesian counterparts, offering assistance in firefighting efforts and other measures such as cloud seeding. Indonesian officials have indicated openness to such aid, though specific arrangements are still being finalized. The government's approach reflects lessons learned from previous haze incidents, aiming to enhance enforcement processes and ensure a more effective response to future occurrences. The focus remains on mitigating the impact of the haze on public health and maintaining cooperation with regional neighbors to address the root causes of the problem.