OMM Newsroom
Smoke from forest fires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region has blanketed Singapore in haze. In response to conditions affecting daily life and business activity, Singapore’s National Environment Agency sent precautionary notices to seven companies on October 16.
Government data show that air quality fell to unhealthy levels on September 4. It was the first significant deterioration in Singapore’s air quality in about three years.
As of 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, pollution levels remained unhealthy across all parts of Singapore. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged from 112 to 197.
The haze also disrupted air traffic. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group, reduced visibility led to 16 flights bound for Seletar Airport being diverted as a precaution between October 5 and 11.
Restaurants and bars with outdoor service reported fewer customers, while some businesses said reservations had been cancelled and visitor numbers had fallen. Sales at hawker centres also declined as customers avoided eating outdoors.
A Marina Bay Sands representative said some activities involving extended periods outdoors had been temporarily suspended. The hotel is providing guests with masks and air purifiers.
Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, said the government had begun preparing its response several weeks earlier. The plans include distributing masks to those in need and providing assistance to Indonesia.
Seven companies sent precautionary notices
Singapore’s National Environment Agency issued precautionary notices on October 16 to seven companies identified as being linked to the haze.
Under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act (THPA), companies must deploy firefighting teams to extinguish fires or prevent them from spreading and halt burning activities in affected areas. They are also required to submit action plans detailing measures to extinguish existing fires and prevent them from recurring.
The THPA, which came into force in September 2014, allows Singapore to take action against companies whose activities abroad cause or contribute to haze pollution. The law applies when smoke causes the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) to remain at 101 or higher in any part of Singapore for at least 24 hours.
The National Environment Agency said it would continue to pursue legal action against companies found responsible for transboundary haze in Singapore.
Malaysia calls for regional response
The haze has spread beyond Singapore and affected neighbouring Malaysia, prompting calls for broader regional cooperation. Malaysia’s Second Finance Minister, Amir Hamzah Azizan, said on Wednesday that the worsening situation required a coordinated response across Southeast Asia. “This is an issue that requires a solution at the ASEAN level,” he said.
Malaysia has offered to send water-bombing aircraft and other resources to help fight the fires.
