Singapore says ‘ready to roll out’ haze pollution action plan as air quality nears very unhealthy levels

Singapore has announced its readiness to implement a haze pollution action plan, including the distribution of masks, as air quality levels approach "very unhealthy" thresholds. The city-state was recently identified as the "most polluted global major city" by a Swiss-based air quality monitor, with toxic haze from fires in neighboring Indonesia causing a significant rise in pollution.

Singapore's National Environmental Agency (NEA) stated that the situation was "possible" for air quality to enter the "very unhealthy range" due to the current circumstances. The NEA and other agencies are prepared to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to safeguard public health and well-being. The government has allocated haze-rated masks, and if pollution levels escalate to very unhealthy levels, grassroots organizations will begin distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans.

Additionally, mask vending machines will be made accessible at select public transport hubs and social services offices to further support the distribution efforts.