Coconut water distribution, haze ward, among S’pore’s precautions to deal with air pollution
Watsons and Guardian have also seen a slight increase in N95 mask sales.
Across Singapore, organisations are intensifying efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities from the effects of haze, as the region battles escalating air pollution caused by Indonesian forest fires. A haze ward has been established in a nursing home, care packs are being distributed to seniors and other vulnerable individuals by the Singapore Red Cross, and preschools are ensuring that air purifiers and child-sized masks are available for use.
Some construction firms have pre-ordered N95 masks for their workers, while others are identifying employees at higher risk of respiratory conditions. The Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reached 99 in the central region of Singapore on August 25, indicating unhealthy air quality. As of August 26, the PSI had improved to a moderate level between 56 and 75, after a day of rain.
When the PSI reaches unhealthy levels, healthy individuals should limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities. In Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, 30 areas recorded unhealthy air on August 25, and asthma cases increased by 259 percent compared to previous weeks. Indonesian land and forest fires, typical of the agroforestry landscape during dry months, are contributing to the haze.
These fires are exacerbated this year by the El Nino weather phenomenon, which leads to drier-than-usual conditions. The Singapore Red Cross began distributing care packs to protect seniors against heat and haze in April, with the goal of reaching at least 10,000 individuals by September 16. A "haze room" has been prepared at the Thye Hua Kuan Nursing Home, equipped with its own toilet, ventilation, and air-filtration system for residents with respiratory issues.
Preschools have adjusted their operations, with air conditioning running throughout the day when the PSI is unhealthy, and child-sized masks provided for children with respiratory conditions. Construction firms are implementing guidelines and health talks for their workers, and the Ministry of Defence will adjust training and outdoor activities based on the 24-hour PSI forecast.
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