Jerebu: Singapura keluar notis kepada 7 syarikat di Indonesia

Singapore plans to issue precautionary notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) to seven Indonesian companies suspected of involvement in forest fires that have polluted Singapore's air, according to Environment and Sustainability Minister Grace Fu. The notices will be issued by the National Environmental Agency (NEA) as part of ongoing investigations into companies found responsible for causing transboundary haze in Singapore.

Fu stated that if warranted, further action will be taken under the THPA based on the available information and evidence. The notices require the implicated companies to set up fire-fighting teams to extinguish fires on the land they own or occupy and prevent fires from spreading. The implicated companies are also expected to halt or refrain from any burning activities and submit plans to the NEA outlining their measures to extinguish fires on their land and prevent recurrence.

Singapore's air quality is expected to remain volatile for some time, with the possibility of reaching hazardous levels, Fu added. However, conditions are anticipated to improve towards the end of October or early November, with winds around Singapore becoming weaker and changing direction, reducing the likelihood of haze from Sumatra or Kalimantan reaching Singapore.

As of 7 p.m. yesterday, NEA data showed the 24-hour Air Pollution Index (PSI) decreasing steadily, with three areas recording unhealthy air quality. The 24-hour PSI stood at 225 in the central area, 202 in the west, 201 in the east, 183 in the south, and 161 in the north. Fu also announced the full distribution of N95 masks to Singapore residents who are vulnerable through 37 self-service machines by Friday night.

She assured that a sufficient stock of N95 masks would be available in depots and government stores. Firefighting teams are working closely with depots to ensure N95 masks are available to the public, and they are monitoring the situation and collaborating with partners to ensure those in need can access them, Fu stated.