Singapore sets up expert panel to scrutinise firms with potential links to smoke haze caused by Indonesia fires

Singapore on Friday (Oct 23) announced the setting up of a panel of experts comprising audit, law and investigative firms, as it moves to hold accountable companies that may be responsible for, or have contributed to, the fires causing haze in Singapore.

The Ministry of Law (MinLaw) said that these firms have expertise in conducting cross-border inquires and investigations. 

"Companies identified by the Government will be required to engage professionals from the panel to conduct thorough inquiries into their operations, corporate relationships, and supply chains, and to submit thorough audits to the Government."

They are to provide complete access to information and other relevant facts about their operations, supply chains and corporate group structures to satisfy the Government that the companies are not in any way involved in causing or condoning the fires, MinLaw added.

"Companies will be expected to cooperate fully and provide unfettered access to relevant information and their operations as may be necessary for the inquiries," the ministry stressed.

The panel will, in turn, help the Government establish the facts, including where complex corporate structures and commercial arrangements span multiple jurisdictions.

Senior Counsel Davinder Singh's firm, Davinder Singh Chambers, has been appointed adviser to the Government to advise on coordinating the work done by the panel experts.

This, the ministry said, is to make sure that the necessary inquiries and investigations are properly conducted across different jurisdictions.

"Mr Davinder Singh SC has extensive experience in cross-border corporate investigations and complex legal structures, and will provide specialist advice and guidance on the conduct of the inquiries," it added.

The findings of the inquiries will be assessed by the relevant Government agencies and the Attorney-General's Chambers.

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