S’PORE GOVT ON STANDBY FOR HAZE, AIR QUALITY MAY DROP DUE TO HOTSPOTS IN SUMATRA

The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a press release warning that the quality of air in Singapore could deteriorate due to the rise in the number of hotspots in Sumatra, Indonesia.

Snippet of NEA’s statement

As of 29 September 2023, 3pm, the 24-hr Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is 81 (Moderate range) in the East region of Singapore. Accordingly, the 28 public agencies that make up the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF), are ready to roll out their respective haze action plans should the air quality deteriorate into the Unhealthy range (24-hour PSI above 100).  

2          There has been an increase in the number of hotspots over Sumatra in the past few days, with 241 and 145 hotspots detected on 27 and 28 September 2023 respectively. Moderate to dense smoke haze was observed over parts of south and central Sumatra. The winds in our nearby region are expected to continue blowing from the southeast and keep the dense haze away from Singapore. While Singapore is not expected to experience severe haze in the coming days, the PSI may deteriorate if there is a shift in wind direction.

3          Current air quality readings and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public, especially the more vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic lung and heart diseases are available on www.haze.gov.sg, www.nea.gov.sg and the myENV app.

4          The public should refer to the current 1-hour PM_2.5 concentration as an indicator of current air quality, and to refer to the associated 1-hour PM_2.5  personal guide, when planning their strenuous or outdoor activities over the next few hours. The 1-hour PM_2.5 concentration level can be volatile and fluctuate over the day due to weather conditions, especially during periods of transboundary haze.

5          The health impact of haze on an individual is dependent on his or her health status, the 24-hour PSI level, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help reduce ill effects from haze exposure. Drink water to stay hydrated. Those with chronic heart and lung conditions should ensure that medication is on hand or readily available. Vulnerable persons, including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic heart and lung conditions, who develop symptoms or feel unwell, should seek medical attention promptly. More practical tips for households to reduce exposure to haze can be found here.

6          NEA will continue to closely monitor the haze situation and provide further updates if the situation changes. Should the 24-hour PSI be anticipated to enter the Unhealthy range, NEA will provide daily haze advisories. The daily haze advisory includes the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public in planning their activities and events the next day.

Government Haze Task Force

7          The HTF, which is chaired by NEA, develops and implements action plans to minimise and manage the impact of haze on Singapore. HTF member agencies have robust action plans in place, allowing tiered responses depending on the intensity of the haze, which are based on the air quality readings and forecasts.

8          The HTF convenes annually before the start of the dry season to update its plans. The HTF convened in April this year to prepare for the dry season, which began in June. Refer to Annex A for the list of HTF members. For more details of the HTF’s action plans for mitigating the impact of haze, please refer to Annex B.

Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force

List of Haze Task Force Member Agencies

The Haze Task Force (HTF) was formed in September 1994 and is part of a coordinated effort across the whole of government. The HTF comprises representatives from 28 government agencies.