MFA Spokesman’s Comments in response to media queries on the conclusion of Singapore’s fire-fighting operations in Indonesia

In response to media queries on the conclusion of Singapore’s fire-fighting operations in Indonesia, the MFA Spokesman said:

        “Over the last two weeks, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Singapore Civil Defence Force have worked tirelessly in very difficult conditions to assist Indonesia in its fire-fighting efforts.  The Singapore Government has offered haze assistance packages to Indonesia since 2005, and our assistance this year is in line with what the Indonesian Government had requested. The deployment was a demonstration of Singapore’s commitment to work closely with Indonesia, and other affected countries, to address an annual problem which continues to affect Indonesia and many countries in the region, particularly the health and livelihoods of our peoples.

        Although our direct involvement in the fire-fighting efforts in Indonesia has ended, the Singapore Government will continue to enhance bilateral, regional and international cooperation to tackle the root causes of the fires that cause haze.

        To this end, Singapore will continue to take legal action against errant companies responsible for the haze through the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA). We look forward to Indonesia’s response to our repeated requests to share information on these companies, following its agreement to do so on 27 September 2015.  This information will be critical in helping Singapore to take the fullest course of legal action against these companies under the THPA.

        The protracted haze situation this year is a reminder of the need for effective preventive action. To this end, Singapore is committed to cooperating with Indonesia. We look forward to resuming our bilateral environmental cooperation with Jambi Province which has been beneficial to the people of Jambi. Singapore hopes to expand such cooperation to other regions and provinces in Indonesia.

        Apart from Singapore, many ASEAN Member States have also been adversely affected by the forest fires and haze.  ASEAN must take firm and decisive action, through enhanced regional cooperation, to help prevent the recurrence of this transboundary problem. Singapore will work closely with other ASEAN countries to fully operationalise the ASEAN Haze Monitoring System, and other cooperative initiatives.

        The fires and haze are regional problems with global implications.  This year’s fires have resulted in a significant increase of global greenhouse gas emissions. Singapore will continue to work with like-minded countries, at the international level, on a lasting solution, including in the global effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.”

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

25 OCTOBER 2015