Singapore to issue notices to seven Indonesian firms over haze

Singapore intends to issue preventive notices to seven Indonesian firms suspected of contributing to transboundary haze caused by forest fires, according to Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will issue these notices following investigations into companies responsible for haze in Singapore. Minister Fu stated that the investigation identified seven Indonesian companies as the source of some of the haze affecting the city-state.

The preventive notices require the companies to deploy firefighting personnel to extinguish fires on their lands and prevent any spreading. Additionally, they must cease any burning activities and submit action plans to the NEA outlining measures to combat and prevent future fires on their properties. Fu emphasized that the haze conditions in Singapore are likely to persist for an extended period, potentially reaching hazardous air quality levels in the coming weeks.

She noted that as the inter-monsoon period approaches towards the end of October or early November, the situation is expected to improve, with lighter winds and less likelihood of haze originating from Sumatra or Kalimantan. Fu also announced that N95 masks will be distributed to vulnerable Singaporeans through 37 vending machines across the island, with the distribution set to be fully operational by Friday night.

She assured the public that there are adequate mask stocks available at retailers, warehouses, and government stockpiles. The Haze Task Force is collaborating closely with retailers to ensure the availability of masks to the public and is monitoring the situation to provide access to those in need.