Singapore Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said there is a need to exert commercial pressure against companies causing the haze.
Writing on his Facebook page, he said he has spoken to Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya and expressed Singapore’s deep distress with the situation.
Dr Balakrishnan noted that this was the worst in seven years and has practically become a permanent fixture every year.
He has suggested to the Indonesian Mr Kambuaya to name the companies responsible for the fires that cause the haze.
Singapore is also waiting for Indonesia to publish the concession maps.
Such maps, combined with satellite photos which are updated daily, would enable authorities to pinpoint the errant companies.
Dr Balakrishnan added that the Singapore government has also offered assistance and the Indonesian Minister has said he would revert after his team assesses the situation on the ground.
In the meantime, Dr Balakrishnan has urged young children, seniors and people with respiratory or cardiac problems to take precautions, avoid outdoor activities and consult their doctors early if there are any symptoms.
