Keeping the haze out: Malls shut automated doors, suspend outdoor activities
It has been 12 days of bad air as of Oct 16.
Singapore experienced its 12th consecutive day of unhealthy air on October 16, prompting major retail landlords to take measures to minimize haze exposure for shoppers, tenants, and staff. Lendlease, Far East Organization, and CapitaLand Investment enhanced air filter cleaning and monitoring for their air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems.
To safeguard people indoors, they kept automated mall entrances shut and provided N95 masks to employees and contractors facing prolonged outdoor exposure. On October 16, hourly PM2.5 readings across Singapore reached the "high" range, while the 24-hour PSI remained in the "very unhealthy" range above 200. CapitaLand Investment's spokesperson suggested reducing outdoor airflow at malls by closing windows and automatic doors and directing shoppers to alternative entrances.
Outdoor facilities at malls may close when air quality hits unhealthy levels, according to the spokesperson. Far East Organization advised mall tenants with exterior exits to keep their entrances closed, and tenants at One Holland Village were advised to keep shop doors closed where appropriate, with outdoor events rescheduled to November.
Lendlease encouraged staff to prioritize well-being and consider flexible work arrangements. The malls' ACMV air filters were already cleaned and replaced on a rigorous maintenance schedule, but management stepped up active monitoring and filter replacements during haze conditions. Bi-polar ionisation systems were also enhanced in Lendlease's malls to eliminate dust, odours, and pathogens.
Outdoor play areas at Lendlease malls, like Jem, may close temporarily if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200. Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust, managing VivoCity, declined to comment, but one of its entrances displayed a sign stating it was closed to keep the haze out. The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a "red" warning in its Haze Outlook 2026 report, highlighting a high risk of severe transboundary haze affecting Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
A 2021 paper estimated the total cost of the two-month 2015 haze on Singapore at $1.83 billion, representing 0.45% of the country's GDP.
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