Singapore stands ready to assist Indonesia amid worsening haze, Grace Fu in touch with counterpart

Singapore stands prepared to lend a helping hand to Indonesia as the country grapples with worsening haze and forest fires, according to Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu. Fu, who spoke to the media on October 10 at Our Tampines Hub, emphasized that the situation has been exacerbated by the El Nino effect, resulting in extremely dry weather and making fire containment a formidable challenge.

Fu expressed her commitment to supporting Indonesia's efforts, as she has already communicated with Indonesia's Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat to lend assistance and acknowledge his work in curbing the fires. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), a gauge of air quality in Singapore, reached a peak of 192 in central Singapore on October 9, nearing unhealthy levels.

Although the air quality showed a slight improvement overnight, it remained within the unhealthy band in the morning of October 10. In all five regions, PM2.5 levels, indicative of immediate air quality, were elevated, ranging from 80 to 119. Fu pointed out that the haze conditions have worsened over the past week due to increased hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as unfavorable wind conditions.

She warned that the haze could continue to deteriorate, potentially reaching the "very unhealthy" range, and stressed the need to be prepared for such a scenario. In June 2026, Singapore and Indonesia signed an environmental cooperation agreement, which encompasses transboundary pollution cooperation. Fu mentioned that Singapore is open to supporting long-term initiatives, such as the exchange of early warning information and the hosting of an ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control in Indonesia.

The interim coordinating center, located in Jakarta, facilitates information sharing, fire preparedness, and assistance among ASEAN nations. In response to the current air quality crisis, Singapore will distribute N95 masks to vulnerable individuals and make mask vending machines available at public transport hubs and social services offices when air quality reaches "very unhealthy" levels (PSI between 201 and 300).

The masks, along with haze shelters in air-conditioned rooms and designated areas, will be provided to those who may be more susceptible to the effects of the haze.