Risk of haze in Singapore if dry conditions, regional hot spots continue in the coming week: NEA
Government’s Haze Task Force ready to roll out haze action plans if the air quality hits unhealthy range.
Singapore's air quality continued to hover in the moderate range on August 9, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching 81. Should conditions worsen, the 28 public agencies comprising the government's haze task force are prepared to implement their respective action plans. This warning stems from the escalating hot spot situation in Indonesia's Sumatra and Kalimantan regions, which could carry smoke haze to Singapore via south-easterly winds.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) anticipates this risk to persist for the coming week, should the fires continue unabated. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu had previously cautioned that dry weather could heighten the risk of transboundary haze in Singapore if burning intensifies in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.
The task force remains vigilant, ready to activate its plans if air quality deteriorates. Should the 24-hour PSI cross the unhealthy threshold of 100, NEA will disseminate daily haze advisories, including a 24-hour PSI forecast to guide the public's daily activities and events. For now, the public should refer to the one-hour PM2.5 readings, available on the NEA website, to gauge current air quality.
The agency advises the vulnerable—particularly the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions—to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms. Up-to-date air quality data and public health advisories are accessible on www.haze.gov.sg, www.nea.gov.sg, and the myENV app.
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