Singapore targets seven Indonesian firms as haze worsens, air quality turns very unhealthy

Singapore has identified seven Indonesian companies as potential culprits in the worsening haze situation, prompting the government to issue preventive measures under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA). The National Environment Agency (NEA) will make the decisions following investigations into the errant firms responsible for causing transboundary haze.

Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu revealed that the notices compel the companies to deploy firefighting personnel, halt any burning activities, and submit action plans to the NEA to address the fires on their land and prevent their recurrence. The haze conditions in Singapore are expected to persist for some time, with air quality potentially reaching hazardous levels.

However, the situation is anticipated to improve by late October or early November due to lighter winds and the transition to the inter-monsoon period. Meanwhile, the distribution of N95 masks to vulnerable Singaporeans through 37 vending machines will be fully deployed by Friday night, with sufficient masks available at retailers' warehouses and government stockpiles. The Haze Task Force is collaborating with retailers to ensure the public's access to masks.