Singapore Probes 20 Firms Over Indonesian Forest Fires

The National Environment Agency expanded its investigation into Indonesian forest fires and the resulting toxic haze on October 23, 2026. The agency is now targeting 10 Singapore-registered firms in the palm oil and forestry industries, seeking data on land concessions and firefighting efforts. This action follows notices already issued to 10 foreign-based firms.

To support the cross-border probe, Singapore is forming a panel of legal, audit, and investigative experts. The current blazes, exacerbated by drought and a strong El Nino cycle, have burned nearly two million hectares of forest and peatland.

While civil society groups link the fires to supplier plantations, implicated companies including First Resources and Asia Pulp and Paper have denied responsibility. Australian Mines Ltd., a company listed on the Singapore Exchange, has also denied responsibility for the fires.