News about haze

Shares of several Singapore-listed agricultural companies fell Tuesday after Senior Minister K Shanmugam warned they cannot escape responsibility for their possible role in the haze. Bumitama Agri fell as much as 6.5%, First Resources also dropped, while Golden Agri-Resources and Wilmar International slipped almost 2%. Shanmugam said seven companies had been questioned by the Singapore Exchange and that some fire or smoke sources appear linked to First Resources, Bumitama Agri and unlisted First Borneo Plantations. Singapore will use every legal and regulatory lever, including on financing and government incentives, and could amend or introduce laws urgently if needed, while hoping for full cooperation from Indonesia.