Feedback on Haze bill: Harsher penalties needed

The criminal penalties in a draft Bill to tackle transboundary haze are too low, said those who gave their feedback on the proposed piece of legislation earlier this year.

For example, the original draft Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill had proposed a fine of up to $300,000 or up to $450,000 if a company fails to comply with Singapore's request to prevent, reduce or control haze pollution.

The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources told reporters yesterday that the feedback had indicated the sum was too low, and there should be penalties for continuous offences.

A total of 52 pieces of feedback were received in the public consultation, which was held from February to March this year.

The ministry said it would amend the Bill, to be tabled in Parliament on July 7, to take into account this feedback.

This article was first published on June 28, 2014.
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