Explainer: Are Malaysian-linked firms in trouble over Singapore's haze notices? [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Four companies with links to Malaysian-listed groups have been caught up in Singapore's efforts to tackle the haze that has lingered across the region for weeks.

But does receiving a notice mean they are responsible for the fires in Indonesia? And could they face penalties?

Here's what you need to know.

Which companies have Malaysian connections?

Two are Singapore-incorporated subsidiaries of Bursa Malaysia-listed TSH Resources Bhd – TSH Global Plantation Pte Ltd and TSH Oversea Pte Ltd.

The third is Wilmar International Ltd, a Singapore-listed agribusiness group in which Malaysia's PPB Group Bhd holds about 18.8 per cent.

The fourth, Kencana Agri Ltd, has a more indirect connection. Wilmar holds a 20 per cent stake in the company through a subsidiary.

What do the notices actually mean?

Singapore's National Environment Agency has asked 10 Singapore-registered companies to provide information about their Indonesian land concessions, corporate relationships and measures taken to prevent or control fires.

The notices are part of efforts to establish who may be responsible for the haze.

They do not mean the companies have been found responsible for causing pollution.

The notices differ from those issued to 10 Indonesian companies, which were ordered to take preventive measures against fires, including deploying firefighters, stopping burning activities and submitting prevention plans.

The Singapore-registered companies, meanwhile, have been asked to provide documents and information.

Put simply, one group has been told to tackle fires, while the other has been asked to help investigators establish responsibility.

Is Singapore using a new law?

No. The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act came into force in September 2014.

It allows Singapore to pursue companies over haze pollution affecting the country, even when the fires originate overseas.

What is significant in 2026 is the use of the existing law to seek information from Singapore-registered companies amid a prolonged haze episode linked to fires in Indonesia.

Could the Malaysian-linked companies face penalties?

Potentially, but not simply because they received notices.

Companies found responsible for haze pollution can face fines of up to S$2 million under the Act. Failure to comply with an information notice can also carry separate penalties.

For now, the companies must provide the requested information. TSH Resources' two subsidiaries have until Nov 2 to respond.

Whether further action follows will depend on what Singapore's investigators establish.