SINGAPORE, Aug 7 — Singapore is ready to roll out haze response measures should air quality deteriorate as the southern Asean region enters the dry season amid an increased risk of transboundary haze.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said government agencies under the Haze Task Force, chaired by the National Environment Agency, stand ready to implement their respective action plans should air quality be affected by transboundary haze.
The Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) activated Alert Level 2 for the southern Asean region on Monday, indicating an increased risk of transboundary haze.
“Our priority is to protect the health of the public, particularly vulnerable groups, and to ensure that daily life and essential services can continue as normally as possible.
“We have ensured that national mask stockpiles are sufficient, and that schools, preschools, and residential and care facilities are equipped with air purifiers,” she said in a written reply to a parliamentary question on Wednesday.
Fu said prevailing winds were currently not carrying the haze towards Singapore, despite smoke haze drifting from Kalimantan into Sarawak in recent days.
She said the ministry had stepped up public communications efforts in view of the heightened risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore.
“NEA will continue to work with the media to support timely reporting on air quality and health advisories, so that schools, employers, and the wider public can stay well-informed and respond accordingly should air quality be affected,” she added. — Bernama
