Jerebu: Singapura keluar notis kepada 7 syarikat di Indonesia

Singapore is expected to continue issuing precautionary notices under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA) to seven Indonesian companies accused of involvement in forest fires that have exacerbated air pollution in the region, according to Environment and Sustainability Minister Grace Fu. The notices will be issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) as part of ongoing investigations into companies found responsible for transboundary haze pollution in Singapore.

Fu stated that if warranted, the government will take further action under THPA based on the available information and evidence. The notices require the implicated companies to coordinate the efforts of firefighting personnel to extinguish the fires on the land they own or occupy, and prevent any further burning. The implicated companies are also asked to cease or refrain from any burning activities and submit plans to NEA outlining their measures to extinguish the fires on their land and prevent recurrence.

Meanwhile, Fu said Singapore's air quality is expected to remain volatile for some time, including the possibility of reaching hazardous levels. However, as we transition to the period between the end of October and early November, when the monsoon approaches, the situation is expected to improve, likely within three to four weeks.

Fu expects wind conditions around Singapore to weaken and change direction during that time, reducing the likelihood of smoke from Sumatra or Borneo being carried to Singapore. As of 7pm yesterday, NEA data showed that the 24-hour Air Pollution Index (PSI) was steadily decreasing in all four sectors, with the central area reaching 225, 202 in the west, 201 in the east, 183 in the south, and 161 in the north.

Fu also announced that the distribution of N95 masks to Singapore's vulnerable residents through 37 self-service machines will be completed by this Friday evening. Regarding supply shortages, he assured that sufficient stock will be available in production facilities and government warehouses. The fire-fighting team is working closely with local authorities to ensure the availability of N95 masks to the public and is monitoring the situation while cooperating with partners to ensure those in need can obtain them.