Singapore ‘stands ready’ to assist Indonesia on forest fires amid haze, says Grace Fu

Singapore expresses willingness to aid Indonesia in combating forest fires and haze, says Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu on September 10. She informed that she has been in contact with Indonesian Minister Jumhur Hidayat, offering her support and acknowledging his efforts to contain the fires. Fu highlighted the preparedness of Singapore to assist wherever necessary, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.

Despite the ongoing haze impacting air quality in Singapore, readings have slightly improved overnight, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranging from 124 in the north to 192 in the central region. The government has contingency plans in place to ensure public health, including adjustments for various PSI and PM2.5 levels during the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

A Haze Task Force, led by the National Environment Agency, is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating measures across multiple sectors, including health, education, transportation, and sports. Indonesia is grappling with its worst forest and land fires in a decade, exacerbated by super El Nino conditions, leading to extensive burning across various regions.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently established a new national agency to manage peatland and mangrove conservation while intensifying enforcement against illegal activities. Several neighboring countries, including Japan and Malaysia, have offered assistance to Indonesia in tackling the fires and haze, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressing readiness to provide support after a recent phone call with President Subianto.