OMM Redaksiyası
Fires in Indonesia have sent thick smoke across Singapore, leaving the wealthy city-state with the world’s most polluted air as it prepares to host a weekend of major events, including the Formula One Grand Prix night race. CNN reported that the haze has also affected neighbouring Malaysia.
Singapore’s air quality index stood at 216, in the “very unhealthy” range, on Friday morning, according to Swiss air-quality monitor “IQAir”. Singapore topped its list of the world’s most polluted cities this week and remained in first place on Friday. Kuala Lumpur ranked second.
The haze reduced the city’s skyline, including Marina Bay Sands and nearby skyscrapers, to faint silhouettes. Singapore, a financial hub with a population of 6.21 million and annual gross domestic product of more than $650 billion, has faced haze almost every year, as has Malaysia.
Fires are an annual occurrence in Indonesia during the dry season, when peatlands are cleared and drained for commercial plantations, including those producing palm oil. This year, the expected arrival of a “super” El Niño—a stronger version of a natural climate pattern associated with very dry conditions—has raised the prospect of unusually intense fires.
Singapore’s National Environment Agency said on Thursday that moderate to dense smoke from southern and central Sumatra and West Kalimantan was drifting towards the city-state. It said smoke could continue to move towards Singapore under prevailing south-easterly or southerly winds.
The “FIA”, motorsport’s governing body, said outdoor entertainment at the Singapore Grand Prix could be affected, although the race itself was not expected to be. Race organiser “Singapore GP” told CNN on Friday there were no current plans to change entertainment activities. Performers scheduled to entertain spectators include Janet Jackson and “The Killers”.
Singapore’s Tourism Board said action plans were in place depending on the intensity of the haze. The city’s races also faced poor air quality in 2015 and 2019, but went ahead.
“Cadillac” driver Valtteri Bottas, who cycled more than 400 kilometres from Malaysia to Singapore this week, told “Reuters” the haze was not yet extreme, although conditions were not good. “Ferrari” driver Lewis Hamilton told the news agency he had “much bigger issues to focus on.”
Malaysia has also been badly affected. The country’s education ministry closed schools across several states this week as the situation worsened.
