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            <title>Mothership.SG - News from Singapore, Asia and around the world</title>
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            <link>https://mothership.sg</link>
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                    <title>S'porean man, 32, seen parkouring over rooftops at RWS hotel, clarifies he was doing it legally</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/sporean-parkour-rws/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-17T10:32:49</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Nicolas Wong ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/sporean-parkour-rws/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ It was part of a promotional showcase organised by Resorts World Sentosa and Red Bull. 
 ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/man-parkour-rws.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A Singaporean man was seen jumping over the rooftops of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), prompting some backlash and criticism.</p><p>He was captured in a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@deeenester/video/7695368578412842247" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a> video on Oct. 12, with the caption reading, "Saw a siaolang (crazy person) flipping over a roof at my hotel at @rwsentosa".</p>
<p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@deeenester/video/7695368578412842247" data-video-id="7695368578412842247" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"><section><a target="_blank" title="@deeenester" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@deeenester?refer=embed" rel="noopener noreferrer">@deeenester</a> Saw a siaolang flipping over a roof at my hotel at @rwsentosa 😱 @Red Bull Singapore <a target="_blank" title="♬ original sound - ROLI Create" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7571949260413930273?refer=embed" rel="noopener noreferrer">♬ original sound - ROLI Create</a></section></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script></p><p>Some users were quick to decry his actions, with many saying his stunts were illegal and calling for the police to arrest him.</p><p>Unbeknownst to them, the poster was in fact the man featured in the video — a parkour practitioner with nearly two decades of experience.</p><p>He was also performing parkour legally, as part of a collaboration between RWS and Red Bull.</p><p><h2>Who is he?</h2></p><p>In response to <em>Mothership</em><em>'s</em> queries, Denester, whose real name is Koh Chen Pin, revealed that he has been practicing parkour since 2007.</p><p>Originating in France, parkour is a sport that involves traversing an environment through acts like vaulting, jumping, or rolling.</p><p>He first came across the sport while watching the movie "Yamakasi" — based on the real-life group which popularised the sport — with his secondary school friends.</p><p>Inspired, they imitated what they saw in the movie, practicing at void decks and playgrounds.</p><p>He eventually stumbled upon an online forum called parkour.sg and met with other "traceurs" — the term for a parkour practitioner — which became his proper introduction to the sport.</p><p>While he received guidance from other community members, he claimed that the process was very much "trial and error" as tutorials and lessons were less common at the time.</p><p>He added that he would watch online videos and study other athletes frame-by-frame.</p><p><h2>The actual video</h2></p><p>Now 32, Koh runs his own academy, Lion City Parkour, with the goal of introducing people to parkour in a safe and accessible way.</p><p>He also clarified that his stunts at RWS were performed legally, as part of a collaboration between RWS and Red Bull.</p><p>The video featured various locations around the resort and showcased how the athletes maneuvered and traversed the grounds, using an array of tricks such as rolls and flips.</p><p>He was one of four international parkour athletes who were part of the video project, with the others being from Australia, the Netherlands, and Thailand.</p><p><iframe width="988" height="556" src="<iframe id="ytplayer" type="text/html" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/embed/pkKoVOI5lB4" frameborder="0"></iframe>
" title="Dom Tomato vs Noa Diorgina: The Ultimate Freerunning Showdown at Resorts World Sentosa" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, Koh revealed that the video was an idea that he'd nursed for "many years" now, with RWS and Red Bull giving him the chance to make it happen.</p><p>From storyboarding to completion, it took five to six months for the video to be completed and posted.</p><p>It was "no simple feat", he added, listing obstacles such as permits, insurance, and budgets.</p><p>Koh later uploaded a behind-the-scenes video detailing how the video was filmed over multiple days, with safety briefings that began as early as 6am.</p><p><iframe id="ytplayer" type="text/html" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XDC-WpesLO4" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p><p><h2>The danger?</h2></p><p>Despite all his precautions, Koh often gets comments online criticising him for undertaking such dangerous feats.</p><p>In response, Koh told <em>Mothership</em> that he has learnt to "take them with a pinch of salt".</p><p><blockquote><p>"I can understand how they may think it’s me playing with my life, but I know for sure I worked really really hard on myself to be able to ‘play with my life’ like that.</p><p>I know how much I treasure my body and life, more than any online commenters would know!"</p></blockquote></p><p>On his social media accounts, Koh regularly posts videos practicing parkour around HDB estates, traversing structures around the void deck or scaling walls multiple storeys high.</p><p>He claims that these "concrete jungles" are "amongst the best parkour spots in the world".</p><p>He also emphasised that he does his best to leave the space intact, wiping the area down with wet wipes after he is done.</p><p>While he has had run-ins with members of the public, he added that complaints are getting less common as parkour is gaining recognition internationally.</p><p>In fact, he often receives positive reactions from the public.</p><p>"I do think they can tell it takes a lot of practice to be able to execute the things that I do!"</p><p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbs3R1ppVap/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: #FFF; 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flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></p><p></div></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dbs3R1ppVap/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by 𝙳𝙴𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁 👊 (@deeenester)</a></p></p><p></div></p></blockquote></p><p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1178635</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>Korean army officer leaves post 64 times in 10 months to 'feed his lizard', gets suspended</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/korea-army-lizard-suspended/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-17T10:14:29</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Shauna Yap ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/korea-army-lizard-suspended/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ His attempt to overturn his two-month suspension was dismissed ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/cover-photos-69.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A South Korean army officer has been suspended for two months after he left his post multiple times without permission, verbally abused other soldiers, and delayed approving their requests for leave.</p><p><h2>Left base without permission</h2></p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.mk.co.kr/en/society/12176377" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Korean media</a>, the officer had driven out of the military base in a private vehicle 64 times during weekday working hours over a 10-month period.</p><p>He did so without applying for leave or informing his commander.</p><p>A guard commander testified that the officer frequently gave excuses such as needing to feed his lizard or wash his car, as reported by <a href="https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10904113" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Korea Herald</em></a>.</p><p>He was also found to have delayed 698 requests for outings, overnight passes, and leave submitted by 26 soldiers between October 2023 and November 2024.</p><p>As a result, some soldiers were unable to obtain military-supported train tickets and had to pay for their own transportation.</p><p>The officer also verbally abused soldiers who asked him for leave approval.</p><p>In one instance, he told soldiers to get lost after questioning whether the military base was a community service centre.</p><p><h2>Upheld suspension</h2></p><p>The officer proceeded to file a lawsuit against his unit commander to overturn his two-month suspension.</p><p>However, the Busan District Court dismissed his lawsuit.</p><p>The court noted that the severity of his misconduct could have warranted dismissal from military service under disciplinary regulations, and the multiple violations could have justified expulsion, which also cuts retirement benefits.</p><p>His two-month suspension was upheld.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1178822</post-id>
                </item>

                <item>
                    <title>SMRT staff help cyclist with head & face injury outside Labrador Park MRT, pay for his Grab ride home</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/smrt-staff-help-injured-cyclist-labrador-park/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T19:19:31</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Shauna Yap ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/smrt-staff-help-injured-cyclist-labrador-park/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ The cyclist's brother returned to pay them back the next day but they declined.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-6.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Two SMRT staff members helped an injured cyclist outside Labrador Park MRT station and paid for his Grab ride home.</p><p>This was after the injured rider declined the offer to call for an ambulance.</p>
<p>The cyclist's older brother, Amos Oh, 55, told <em>Mothership</em> that the incident took place on Oct. 5, 2026, at around 5:15am.</p><p><h2>Fell from bicycle</h2></p><p>Amos said his youngest brother, Michael Oh, 53, had fallen from his bicycle outside Labrador Park MRT station.</p><p>He could not remember how he fell, but guessed that he ran over something and fell with his head and face first onto the ground.</p><p>"A few young chaps who passed by then, tried to wake him up and told him his forehead was bleeding very badly," Amos said.</p><p>Michael then struggled to get up and walked to the toilet of the MRT station, where he tried to wash away the blood stains on his face, but to no avail.</p><p>Amos said Michael did not know how badly he was injured at that point.</p><p>At around 7am, a foreign worker, who saw Michael bleeding badly in the toilet, went to alert the station’s staff members, Amos said.</p><p>The station manager and assistant manager quickly rushed to attend to Michael then.</p><p>They administered first aid and tightly bandaged Michael's head wound to control the bleeding.</p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 881px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Waiting-for-Grab-5-Oct-1.jpg" alt="" width="881" height="1280" class="size-full wp-image-1178894" /> Photo from Amos Oh
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>Amos said the staff also offered to call an ambulance, but Michael declined as he did not realise how seriously injured he was.</p><p>Instead, the staff paid for a Grab ride to send Michael home.</p><p><h2>Declined reimbursement for Grab fare</h2></p><p><figure id="attachment" aria-describedby="caption-attachment" style="width: 1134px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
  <figcaption id="caption-attachment-468423" class="wp-caption-text">
    <img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Great-thanks-to-the-Station-Manager-on-6-Oct.jpg" alt="" width="1134" height="2016" class="size-full wp-image-1178900" /> Photo from Amos Oh
  </figcaption>
</figure>
</p><p>The following day, on Oct. 6, Amos visited Labrador Park MRT station at around 1pm to reimburse the staff for the Grab fare.</p><p>However, the staff declined his offer.</p><p>Amos eventually bought snacks for the staff and insisted they accept them as a token of appreciation for helping his brother.</p><p>He expressed his gratitude to everyone who had assisted Michael, saying that their kindness deserved recognition.</p><p>"I just want to take this opportunity to say a great thank you to all of them who had helped Michael, when he fell, in one way or another. Words can’t express our gratitude, please keep up the good work guys," Amos said.</p><p>He added that he felt their actions deserved to be commended and also serve as an encouragement to everyone to "lend their helping hands whenever possible".</p><p><em>Mothership</em> has reached out to SMRT for comments.</p><p><h2>Recovering well</h2></p><p>Amos shared that after Michael reached home, their other brother Sean quickly drove Michael to KTPH emergency department.</p><p>He was then diagnosed with multiple facial bone fractures and fluid in his head.</p><p>The fall also left Michael with a deep cut on his forehead, which caused heavy bleeding, as well as significant swelling and bruising around his left eye.</p><p>He had two operations and was hospitalised for almost 10 days from Oct. 5 to 14.</p><p>He was eventually discharged from the hospital on Oct. 14 and is in stable condition.</p><p>However, a full recovery will take a few months, Amos shared.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>Trump cancels livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution, victims’ families still can watch in person</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/trump-cancels-livestream-fort-hood-shooters-execution/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T19:08:24</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Thecla Li ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/trump-cancels-livestream-fort-hood-shooters-execution/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ “Many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die," President Trump said in a Truth Social post. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/THECLA-Article-Cover-20.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>U.S. President Donald Trump has called off plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan, following widespread criticism of the proposal.</p><p>In an Oct. 15 Truth Social post, Trump said Hasan would still be executed by firing squad as scheduled, but the event would not be streamed.</p><p>Hasan, a former US Army psychiatrist, killed 13 people and injured 32 others at the Fort Hood military base in Texas in 2009.</p>
<p>His execution is scheduled for Dec. 3, 2026, and would be the first U.S. military execution in more than 60 years, according to the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crx23qlnj27qo" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BBC</a></em>.</p><p><h2>Trump says people would rather not watch</h2></p><p>In a Truth Social post, Trump maintained that streaming the execution could have served as a deterrent, showing how the U.S. deals with terrorists.</p><p>However, he acknowledged that “many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die, through streaming, or through any other visual device”.</p><p>“He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed,” Trump wrote.</p><p>He added that the immediate families of the victims could still witness the execution in person if they wished.</p><p><blockquote><p>“They deserve to witness JUSTICE!” he said.</p></blockquote></p><p><iframe width="600" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117445309638266855/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe><script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script></p><p><h2>Pentagon had announced livestream plans</h2></p><p>U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@alarabiya_eng/video/7694413483965713670?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">previously announced</a> that Hasan’s execution would be open to public viewing.</p><p><blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@alarabiya_eng/video/7694413483965713670" data-video-id="7694413483965713670" style="max-width: 605px; min-width: 325px;"></p></blockquote></p><p>“We'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public,” he said, arguing that people needed to understand the serious consequences of such acts.</p><p>A Pentagon official subsequently confirmed to <em>Reuters</em> that the execution would be livestreamed.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='Trump cancels livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution, victims’ families still can watch in person' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/livestream-fort-hood-shooter-execution/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p><h2>Widespread criticism</h2></p><p>The proposal drew criticism in the U.S. and internationally, including from human rights groups and the United Nations, which called the plans “abhorrent”, <em>BBC</em> reported.</p><p>Vice-President JD Vance said he would not watch the execution, while Trump had previously expressed approval of the livestream.</p><p>Following Trump’s reversal, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Hegseth had discussed the decision with the president beforehand.</p><p>“The Secretary supports the President’s decision, and they are completely aligned,” Parnell said.</p><p><h2>Sentenced to death in 2013</h2></p><p>Hasan opened fire on Nov. 5, 2009, in a crowded medical building at Fort Hood, where soldiers preparing for deployment were awaiting medical checks and vaccinations, according to the <em>BBC</em>.</p><p>A military jury sentenced him to death in August 2013 after finding him guilty of 45 counts of premeditated murder and attempted premeditated murder.</p><p>The execution is scheduled to take place at the same Texas military base where he carried out the shooting.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>'Protecting workers from haze is not optional': Jasmin Lau encourages employers to let staff WFH where possible</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/protecting-workers-from-haze-jasmin-lau/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T18:34:00</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gracia Yap ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/protecting-workers-from-haze-jasmin-lau/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ As these are exceptional conditions, she asked that employers and employees discuss early and find arrangements that work for both sides. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/jasmin-lau-haze.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Protecting workers from the haze is not optional, said Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau during an Oct. 16 press conference on the haze situation.</p><p>Lau added that under the Workplace Safety and Health Act, "employers must take reasonable and practicable measures to keep their workers safe".</p>
<p>This includes protecting them from the haze, she said.</p><p><h2>Monitor situation</h2></p><p>In that regard, Lau pointed out that employers ought to monitor the haze situation and assess the risk it carries for their workers.</p><p>They should then follow the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) guidelines.</p><p>"If the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast is above 200 in the Very Unhealthy range, employers should implement measures in line with MOM guidelines, and these include to avoid prolonged or strenuous work outdoors, to minimise outdoor work for vulnerable workers," she said.</p><p>They include older workers and pregnant women or those with heart and lung conditions, Lau added, noting that N95 masks should be provided to workers as well.</p><p><h2>Hazardous range</h2></p><p>If the PSI forecast crosses 300 and enters the Hazardous range, employers should implement additional measures.</p><p>This includes minimising outdoor work for healthy workers as well.</p><p>It also includes adopting additional precautions such as reducing work intensity, providing indoor rest breaks, and deferring non-essential work.</p><p>"Employers should plan for these measures now, so that they are well prepared if the situation worsens," Lau said.</p><p>She added that MOM will issue additional advice on how employers can use the one-hour PM2.5 readings to decide on immediate outdoor work activities and measures to be taken, which may include pausing outdoor work completely for vulnerable workers.</p><p>This is to help employers make decisions on the ground operationally, as the haze conditions change throughout the day.</p><p><h2>Inspections, platform workers</h2></p><p>Since September 2026, MOM has carried out more than 400 worksite inspections, Lau said, noting that most employers "have done the right thing" with haze management plans, and providing N95 masks and regular updates to workers.</p><p><blockquote><p>"And for the worksites that have fallen short, we have directed them to put that right, and we will check again."</p></blockquote></p><p>MOM has also reminded all platform operators to advise their workers on protecting themselves and to ensure that workers are not penalised for taking longer to complete jobs during this period.</p><p><blockquote><p>"This includes not penalising them through incentive schemes, reduced job allocation, or paid deductions."</p></blockquote></p><p>Lau highlighted that platform operators such as Grab and foodpanda have partnered with the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) to distribute N95 masks to their members.</p><p>"We welcome such proactive efforts by platform operators, and I hope more will do the same," she said.</p><iframe class='post-embed title=''Protecting workers from haze is not optional': Jasmin Lau encourages employers to let staff WFH where possible' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/08/grab-launches-safety-course-for-delivery-riders/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>Workers with concerns about safety and health during hazy conditions should raise them with their employers, she added.</p><p>They may use the SnapSAFE <a href="https://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-and-health/snapsafe---reporting-saves-lives" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">platform</a> to report workplace safety and health violations or lapses to MOM.</p><p><h2>Flexible work arrangements</h2></p><p>In addition, Lau encouraged employers to let their employees work from home where the job allows, considering the haze creates "practical problems" at home.</p><p>This work from home arrangement is especially so for those who are more vulnerable to the haze, she said.</p><p>Lau added that possible scenarios from the haze situation could include a child falling sick, a parent requiring more care, or schools moving to home-based learning at short notice.</p><p>She emphasised that employers must properly consider work from home requests under the Tripartite Guidelines for flexible work arrangements, including from parents whose children are on home-based learning.</p><p>Lau said:</p><p><blockquote><p>"We recognise that flexible work arrangements may not be feasible for all jobs.</p><p>Some jobs can only be done on site, and in those cases, we urge employers to allow their employees to use their annual leave or childcare leave when applicable."</p></blockquote></p><p>When that runs out, employers are encouraged to be flexible and grant paid time off or allow employees to draw on the next year's annual leave in advance without affecting their wages.</p><p>Lau added that unwell employees should see a doctor, with medical leave applying as usual.</p><p>Acknowledging that these are exceptional conditions, she asked that employers and employees discuss early and find arrangements that work for both sides.</p><p>"MOM will continue to work with our tripartite partners to safeguard workers' safety and health," she said.</p><p><h2>Related stories</h2></p><iframe class='post-embed title=''Protecting workers from haze is not optional': Jasmin Lau encourages employers to let staff WFH where possible' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/singapore-may-reschedule-national-examinations-haze/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title=''Protecting workers from haze is not optional': Jasmin Lau encourages employers to let staff WFH where possible' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/grace-fu-preventive-measures-notice-7-indonesian-companies-haze/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><iframe class='post-embed title=''Protecting workers from haze is not optional': Jasmin Lau encourages employers to let staff WFH where possible' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/singapore-schools-precautionary-measures/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe></p> ]]>
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                    <title>S'pore reveals names of 7 companies involved in haze-causing fires</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/grace-fu-preventive-measures-notice-7-indonesian-companies-haze/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T17:43:51</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Gawain Pek ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/grace-fu-preventive-measures-notice-7-indonesian-companies-haze/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Preventive measure notices will be issued to companies involved while investigations are ongoing.  ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/grace-fu-haze-3.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>The National Environment Agency (NEA) will send preventive measure notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) to seven companies in Indonesia, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on Friday (Oct. 16) at a press conference.</p><p>This comes after investigations have suggested that some of the haze experienced in Singapore orginated from fires on the lands of these companies.</p>
<p>The names of the seven companies will be shared with the public, Fu said.</p><p>Fu was speaking at the press conference with Minister for Education Desmond Lee and Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau.</p><p><h2>More action to be taken where warranted: Fu</h2></p><p>The seven companies are:</p><p><ul></p><p> 	<li>PT Bumi Andalas Permai,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT Bumi Mekar Hijau,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT Paramitra Mulia Langgeng,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT Sumatera Alam Anugerah,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT SBA Wood Industries,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT Hutan Lestari Raya,</li></p><p> 	<li>PT Bangkanesia.</li></p><p></ul></p><p>Of these seven companies, three of them — PT Bumi Andalas Permai, PT Bumi Mekar Hijau and PT SBA Wood Industries — were similarly served prevention measure notices in 2015.</p><p>According to Fu, the preventive measure notices will inform these companies to:</p><p><ul></p><p> 	<li>Deploy firefighting personnel to extinguish or prevent the spread of any fire on land owned or occupied by them,</li></p><p> 	<li>Discontinue or not commence any burning activities on such land,</li></p><p> 	<li>Submit to NEA their action plans to extinguish any fires on their lands and/or prevent their recurrence.</li></p><p></ul></p><p>Fu said that NEA will issue preventive measure notices to more companies and consider other measures under the THPA if there are indications that they have caused fires that resulted in transboundary haze.</p><p>Fu also said that the government will continue to monitor the situation and the companies' responses to the notices.</p><p>Where warranted, it will take further action under the THPA based on information and evidence available.</p><p>Enacted in 2014, the <a href="https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/THPA2014?ProvIds=P12-#pr5-" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">THPA</a> allows the Singapore government to issue a fine of up to S$100,000 to an entity found guilty of causing haze for every day or part of a day that there is haze pollution in Singapore.</p><p>If it is proved that the entity had failed to comply with preventive measures notice given in relation to the haze in Singapore, the government may impose an additional fine not exceeding S$50,000 for every day or part of a day that it fails to comply with the preventive measures notice.</p><p>The cap for fines imposed on an entity under the THPA is a total of S$2 million.</p><p><h2>Seven companies located in Sumatra: Fu</h2></p><p>In response to media questions, Fu revealed that the seven companies are located in Sumatra and were identified for the haze episode on Oct. 8 and 9.</p><p>The investigations relied on information from concession maps, meteorological data and satellite imagery, some which are open-sourced.</p><p>As to their owners, links and relationships, Fu said such information cannot be disclosed at this time as they have to be investigated.</p><p>On this, Fu said that lessons were learned from the 2015 case as to how evidence is gathered and how more can be found out about those responsible.</p><p>NEA previously said that investigations into four companies suspected of being involved in causing the 2015 haze episode are still ongoing.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='S'pore reveals names of 7 companies involved in haze-causing fires' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);' src='/2026/10/nea-haze-pollution-act/embed/' width='600' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0' scrolling='no'></iframe><p>Apart from announcing the issuance of the preventive measure notices, Fu also said that Singapore should be prepared for the ongoing haze episode to persist for some time.</p><p>However, some respite might come in three to four weeks as the inter-monsoon period begins around the end of October.</p></p> ]]>
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                <item>
                    <title>S'pore may reschedule O-Level exams if haze reaches hazardous levels: Desmond Lee</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-may-reschedule-national-examinations-haze/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T17:35:27</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-may-reschedule-national-examinations-haze/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ In line with the health advisory for younger students. ]]>
                    </description>

                    <content:encoded>
                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-4.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>The Singapore government will consider rescheduling O-Level papers if the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) forecast reaches hazardous levels (above 300), said Minister for Education Desmond Lee.</p><p>During a press conference on the haze situation on Oct. 16, Lee outlined plans for national examinations should the haze situation worsen.</p>
<p>The potential rescheduling of O-Level papers is in line with the health advisory for younger students, he said.</p><p>A-Level papers are generally less likely to be affected, as the students are older, he added.</p><p>However, the government will also consider the actual circumstances when deciding whether the examinations should proceed.</p><p><h2>National examinations</h2></p><p>Lee said students taking the O- and A-Level examinations will sit for their papers in enclosed, air-conditioned venues equipped with air purifiers.</p><p>"I know that students have been working very hard to prepare for their national exams, and we want to minimise disruption for them," he said.</p><p>Details of any rescheduling will be announced publicly by the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB), Lee said.</p><p>Schools will also inform students and parents directly, if any national examination needs to be rescheduled.</p><p>Lee noted that fake news about school closures had circulated on social media, causing confusion and anxiety.</p><p>He urged parents and students to refer only to updates from the Ministry of Education's (MOE) official channels and Parents Gateway.</p><p>More information about any changes in the scheduling of O- and A-Level examinations will be available on the SEAB website.</p></p> ]]>
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                <item>
                    <title>S'pore schools taking precautionary measures based on hourly PM2.5, like avoiding outdoor activities & providing air purifiers</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-schools-precautionary-measures/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T17:34:15</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/singapore-schools-precautionary-measures/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ Some schools may close if 24-hour PSI forecast for the following day is in the Hazardous range. ]]>
                    </description>

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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-5.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>Singapore schools have been taking precautionary measures amid the worsening haze, Minister for Education Desmond Lee said on Oct. 16 during a press conference on the haze situation.</p><p>Lee said Ministry of Education (MOE) schools and Special Education (SPED) schools have been adjusting activities and deploying air purifiers.</p>
<p>They have also been paying "extra attention" to students who report being unwell and/or have pre-existing health conditions, and taking practical steps to reduce exposure to haze where necessary.</p><p><h2>School continuity measures</h2></p><p>Lee also set out school continuity plans, having taken into account "ground considerations... and stakeholder impact".</p><p>Lee said schools will take reference from the National Environment Agency's (NEA) 24-hour PSI forecast the evening before to plan for the next day’s activities.</p><p>The forecast will determine whether preschools and schools should continue operating the next day, and guide what measures to adopt, he added.</p><p>On the actual day, schools will look at the PM 2.5 hourly readings to adjust the measures on the ground, Lee said.</p><p>If the PM 2.5 hourly reading is in the Elevated range (56-150), Lee said schools will avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities.</p><p>While indoor non-strenuous activities may continue, students who are unwell or have pre-existing heart or lung conditions will be excused from these activities.</p><p>Meanwhile, schools will also deploy air purifiers in indoor spaces, such as classrooms, labs, school halls, and indoor sports halls, Lee shared.</p><p><h3>If PM2.5 is High</h3></p><p>When the one-hour PM2.5 reading reaches the High range (151 - 250), schools will operate as per normal school hours, but students will avoid both outdoor activities and strenuous indoor activities, and have their meals indoors.</p><p>Schools will also replace outdoor activities (such as CCAs and camps) with indoor activities where possible, Lee said.</p><p><h3>If PM2.5 is Very High</h3></p><p>However, if the PM2.5 reaches Very High levels (251 and above) during school hours, schools will scale down lessons, such as by reducing the intensity of indoor activities, and suspend all physical and after-school activities.</p><p><h2>Some schools may close if Hazardous range forecasted</h2></p><p>Lee said that MOE will consider closing schools and transitioning to home-based learning for younger students from preschool to secondary level if the 24-hour PSI forecast for the following day is in the Hazardous range (301 and above).</p><p>Parents and guardians are also strongly encouraged to keep their infants and young children at home.</p><p>Kindergarten programmes, Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC and EIPIC-P) services, and preschool-based early intervention programmes, will also be suspended.</p><p>"We understand that this can be challenging for parents who cannot work from home or who cannot find alternative arrangements for their children," Lee said.</p><p>As such, MOE Kindergartens and Kindergarten Care as well as ECDA-licensed preschools will remain physically open, he said.</p><p>Appropriate haze mitigation measures, such as the use of air purifiers in enclosed rooms, will be put in place for children who report to the preschools.</p><p>Primary and secondary schools (including SPED schools), as well as student care centres and special student care centres in schools, will also remain physically open to take care of students who do not have alternative care arrangements, Lee said.</p><p>Meanwhile, tertiary institutions and autonomous universities, as well as the University of the Arts Singapore, will generally continue in-person lessons, while taking reference from actual circumstances.</p><p>This is because the students are older, Lee explained.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>President Tharman to make state visit to Sweden on Oct. 17-21, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/president-tharman-state-visit-sweden/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T16:36:12</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Xueting Wu ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/president-tharman-state-visit-sweden/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ It is the first state visit to Sweden by a Singapore president. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/coverimage-2026-10-15T152524.595.png"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be making a state visit to Sweden from Oct. 17 to 21 at the invitation of the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf.</p><p>It will mark the first state visit to Sweden by a Singaporean president, and reciprocates the Swedish king's visit to Singapore in November 2024.</p>
<p>It also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.</p><p><h2>Ceremonial welcome</h2></p><p>President Tharman will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Royal Palace in Stockholm by King Carl XVI Gusaf and Queen Silvia, who will also host him to a state banquet.</p><p>He will meet with several of Sweden's political leaders: Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Speaker of the Riksdag (the Swedish parliament) Andreas Norlén, and other Members of the Riksdag.</p><p><h2>Business engagements</h2></p><p>Much of the itinerary for the visit will focus on economic and business exchanges.</p><p>While in Stockholm, President Tharman will deliver a lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics, and will be hosted to lunch by members of the Stockholm City Council.</p><p>He and King Carl XVI Gustaf will engage with Swedish entrepreneurs and business leaders from various sectors.</p><p>They will also speak to those from Fryshuset, a Swedish non-profit organisation working on youth empowerment.</p><p>In Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, President Tharman and King Carl XVI Gustaf will visit the World of Volvo to talk to businesses about the future of transport.</p><p>They will also visit the Chalmers University of Technology.</p><p><h2>Entourage</h2></p><p>On his trip, President Tharman will be accompanied by his wife Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, as well as <span>political office-holders and government officials.</span></p><p>They include Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli, and Minister of State at the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Manpower Foo Cexiang.</p><p>Government agencies Enterprise Singapore, the National Research Foundation, and the Economic Development Board will also join them, along with a business delegation.</p><p><h2>60 years of diplomatic relations</h2></p><p>Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1966, Singapore and Sweden have built strong economic, defence, education, and research ties.</p><p>In defence, Singapore buys Swedish defence equipment, and Sweden is an active participant in Singapore's military project tenders.</p><p>The defence ministries of both countries have been exploring ways to enhance collaboration.</p><p>In May 2026, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam visited Sweden to engage Swedish officials on security and defence.</p><p>Sweden also has a solid economic presence in Singapore, with almost 600 Swedish companies currently in the country.</p><p>Additionally, the two countries have been working together on research and innovation, including on quantum technologies.</p></p> ]]>
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                    <title>2 S’pore-listed palm oil companies named in Greenpeace report on Indonesia plantation fires</title>
                    <link>https://mothership.sg/2026/10/two-singapore-listed-palm-oil-firms-greenpeace-report-indonesian-plantation-fires/</link>
                    <pubDate>2026-10-16T16:05:47</pubDate>


                    <dc:creator>
                        <![CDATA[ Khine Zin Htet ]]>
                    </dc:creator>


                    <guid isPermaLink="false">https://mothership.sg/2026/10/two-singapore-listed-palm-oil-firms-greenpeace-report-indonesian-plantation-fires/</guid>
                    <description>
                        <![CDATA[ One company pointed to this year’s El Niño event as a factor for the increase in fire risk. ]]>
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                        <![CDATA[ <img class="type:primaryImage" src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2026/10/Article-Cover-Pic-2000-x-1050-2.jpg"/> <p><a href="https://bit.ly/3qgqzHg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/07/telegram-button.png" alt="Telegram" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872229" /></a></p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/3KjTj94" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2023/08/wa-button.png" alt="Whatsapp" width="700" height="73" class="aligncenter wp-image-872230" /></a></p><p>A Greenpeace report published on Oct. 5 linked Singapore-listed palm oil companies Bumitama Agri and First Resources, as well as privately held First Borneo Plantations, to Indonesian plantation concessions where fires and smoke were detected between August and September.</p><p>In a <a href="https://links.sgx.com/1.0.0/corporate-announcements/3G4VYSXKSRG3VMSY/ce5004c4bea9d9e02fd4c8fdd87f1090965a8198a53c74861387d5a05a822049" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">statement</a> posted on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on Oct. 15, First Resources disputed suggestions that the fires originated on its plantations, saying some began outside its concession boundaries before spreading into areas it manages.</p>
<p>It also pointed to this year’s El Niño event as a factor for the increase in fire risk.</p><p>A plantation concession is an area of land that a company is allowed to use or develop with agreement from the government.</p><p>In response to queries from <em>Mothership</em>, First Resources said it will continue to work closely with government authorities, local communities, and other stakeholders to mitigate fire risks and support suppression efforts.</p><p><h2>First Resources' statement</h2></p><p>First Resources said it is "important to note that the identification of hotspots or other satellite-based observations within or near a concession does not, by itself, establish the origin of a fire, responsibility for its occurrence, or any deliberate use of fire for land clearing by the concession holder".</p><p>The company added that such determinations require "detailed ground verification and a thorough assessment" of the circumstances surrounding each fire event.</p><p>Consideration should also be given to the chronology of hotspot detections and fire development, including the location and timing of the earliest detected hotspots, as well as the manner in which subsequent fires spread over time, it said.</p><p>"Accordingly, the presence of hotspots within a concession should not, in itself, be interpreted as an indication that the concession holder caused, initiated or condoned a fire,” it added.</p><p><h2>Fire risk heightened due to El Nino</h2></p><p>First Resources stated that severe El Niño conditions in 2026 have affected Indonesia, with West Kalimantan among the regions most significantly impacted.</p><p>As it operates in this region, the company said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains highly vigilant regarding reports of fires across the area.</p><p>"The elevated fire risk during 2026 has been influenced by prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño," it said.</p><p>It explained that fire incidents may arise from activities occurring on surrounding lands, including small-scale burning for traditional land preparation by local communities for subsistence farming.</p><p>These are subject to specific fire prevention and mitigation measures prescribed under local government regulations and designed to minimise the risk of fires spreading, it added.</p><p>"While such activities can generally be managed safely under normal conditions when the prescribed safeguards are adhered to, this year's severe El Niño-related drought has significantly increased the risk of fires spreading unintentionally and escalating into uncontrolled wildfires that can affect vast areas," the company said.</p><p><h2>Hotspots outside its operating boundaries</h2></p><p>The company also said effective fire risk management remains a "top priority", acknowledging that fires pose a risk to their plantation assets, biodiversity conservation, and the safety of their employees and neighbouring communities.</p><p>Through monitoring, the company has identified hotspots in the vicinity of its concessions in West Kalimantan.</p><p>Many of which, upon verification, were determined to be located outside its operating boundaries, it said.</p><p>"Our investigations indicate that the vulnerability of our plantations in the region varies, with areas located near concession boundaries, community-owned lands and unmanaged areas facing higher fire risks," the company added.</p><p>Firefighting teams were on standby at the perimeter from the first detection of hotspots in the vicinity, it said.</p><p>There have been instances where fires originating outside our boundaries subsequently spread into areas under its management, it added.</p><p>But the fires originating outside the concession were, in some cases, "too massive and fast-spreading to be fully contained", even as the on-site firefighting teams responded as vigorously as possible to manage and contain these incidents, the company added.</p><p>The company said they are remaining "highly vigilant" and maintaining close coordination with government authorities to ensure strict compliance with regulations.</p><p><em>Mothership</em> has reached out to First Borneo Plantations and Bumitama Agri for comment.</p><p><h2>Stocks fell</h2></p><p>When trading on SGX opened on Oct. 16, 2026, First Resources fell as much as 9.1 per cent to S$3.71, <a href="https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/energy-commodities/palm-oil-stocks-slide-after-singapore-begins-looking-which-firms-responsible-haze" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Business Times</em></a> reported.</p><p>Meanwhile, Bumitama Agri dropped 7.5 per cent to S$1.73.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/haze-el-nino-first-resources-indonesia-6464761" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>CNA</em></a>, Bumitama Agri requested a trading halt on the same day.</p><p><h2>Singapore looking into companies responsible</h2></p><p>In an Oct. 15 Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceWongST/posts/pfbid0YtfwGmG6vUcoX4yHuc5Uiv1mbEExvcqooDezDzawaaqiBaUikN3vjpHhY7JT6HHZl?rdid=iK6mYZU5SF7lsDAE#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">post</a>, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore is looking into which companies may be responsible for the haze-causing fires in Indonesia.</p><p>Where warranted, Singapore will take action under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act and explore joint action with other countries, PM Wong added.</p><p>Enacted in 2014, the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act allows the government to prosecute any entity found guilty of engaging in conduct that causes or contributes to haze pollution in Singapore.</p><p>Such conduct may take place in or outside of Singapore.</p><iframe class='post-embed title='2 S’pore-listed palm oil companies named in Greenpeace report on Indonesia plantation fires' style='min-height: 350px;' clip: rect(1px, 1px, 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