SINGAPORE: Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has said the government needs to send a clear and unequivocal signal to irresponsible companies whose actions damage the environment and cause transboundary effects.
Singapore experienced its worst haze in June, with PSI levels reaching a record high of 401.
The haze was caused by forest fires in Indonesia.
Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore is currently considering drafting legislation to enhance penalties for irresponsible companies.
However, he noted that such legislation will not be easy to draft, and even harder to enforce.
He said it is still necessary to send a signal to companies that such behaviour is not acceptable -- and that besides the government, companies and individuals also have a part to play.
Dr Balakrishnan said: "If we are to make companies behave responsibly, and to make the more responsible companies more profitable, we require individuals to exercise informed choice."
They can do this by demanding transparency from both governments and companies, as well as choose the right products -- products that have been produced in a sustainable and responsible way.
Dr Balakrishnan was speaking at the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards on Thursday.
Seven organisations were recognised for their environmental initiatives in Singapore and the region.
Dr Balakrishnan said such companies demonstrated that it is possible to do the right thing environmentally and in an economically viable way.
Besides winning the Environmental Achievement Award in the regional category, Malaysia-based KUB-Berjaya Enviro also won the coveted Outstanding Singapore Environmental Achievement Award.
Keppel Land won the Achievement Award in the Services category, while the Institute of Technical Education came out tops in the Public Sector category.
The Housing and Development Board took home the Green Innovation Award, while East View Primary School, Keppel DHCS and M Metal were recognised as merit winners.
- CNA/al
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