Singapore mosques to stay open for prayers, outdoor activities to stop if haze hits very unhealthy levels

SINGAPORE, Oct 12 — Islamic mosques in Singapore will continue to hold daily and Friday congregational prayers, despite the current haze conditions. However, non-essential outdoor activities will be suspended if air quality deteriorates to "very unhealthy" levels, as outlined in haze preparedness guidelines issued by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS).

The council emphasized that appropriate precautions were in place to protect worshippers and adjust prayer arrangements according to prevailing haze conditions, indoor facilities, and national health advisories. In case the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enters the "very unhealthy" range (201-300), mosques will halt non-essential outdoor programs and activities.

MUIS also advised madrasahs and mosque-based kindergartens to implement haze management measures in line with advisories from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), including adjustments to outdoor activities, suitable indoor arrangements, and monitoring the well-being of students and staff.

Parents were informed about any changes to school activities or arrangements, if necessary. As of Monday, Singapore's air quality remained unhealthy, with the 24-hour PSI ranging from 104 to 147, with the highest readings in the central and west regions (147), east (133), south (115), and north (104).