K Shanmugam

“Companies cannot play hide and seek”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam warned that companies cannot evade responsibility for their possible role in the haze and revealed that seven companies had been questioned by the Singapore Exchange.

“If we think like that, there will be no Singapore, and we do not think there should be any bilateral issues. The Indonesian public is suffering as well, and it is in Indonesia's interests as much as ours to deal with the companies that are causing these problems.”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam argued that dealing with haze-causing companies is in both Singapore's and Indonesia's interests and should not create bilateral issues.

“Take, for example, First Resources. It issued a detailed statement on its zero burning policy and firefighting efforts ... but statements, no matter how well drafted, are not good enough. Show us the evidence.”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam cited First Resources' published zero burning policy statement as insufficient and demanded evidence of their firefighting efforts.

“In fact, we hope to get full cooperation from Indonesia in going after the companies,”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam expressed hope for full cooperation from Indonesia in pursuing companies responsible for the haze.

“we will use every legal and regulatory lever at our disposal to exert pressure where it matters, including on their bottom lines, including on their access to financing, and including on their standing with investors.”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam detailed the range of legal and regulatory measures Singapore could deploy against companies linked to the haze, including pressure on financing and investor standing.

“Our people are suffering. What do these experts think we are supposed to do? Shiver in our shoes before we take any action to protect our own people? That's not the Singapore approach.”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam dismissed concerns raised by legal experts in a CNA article that Singapore's actions against haze-causing firms in Indonesia may carry diplomatic implications.

“They should not underestimate the Singapore government's determination to act,”

K Shanmugam · said 2026-10-20 · reported 2026-10-20

Shanmugam warned agricultural companies potentially linked to the haze not to underestimate the Singapore government's resolve.