The international panel set up by the government of Singapore in March this year to suggest measures to control transboundary pollution has submitted its report. According to Singapore's Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), the eight-member panel has provided a detailed analysis of various options Singapore can consider to tackle the growing haze problem in the city, including “possible cooperative measures and international legal options”, reports The Straits Times.
An MEWR spokesperson has said that the government is currently studying the report and that it plans to keep the recommendations confidential. He, however, added that most of the recommendations are cooperative in nature, indicating the possibility of collaboration between Singapore and other countries in the region to curb pollution.
The report also gives its views on the Transboundary Haze Pollution Bill passed by Singapore Parliament in July. This bill enables regulators to sue individuals or companies in neighboring countries that cause severe air pollution in Singapore through slash-and-burn agricultural practices. Many consider this new law to be a positive measure to curb the problem of forest fires.