Major retail landlords in Singapore are implementing measures to minimize haze exposure for shoppers, tenants, and staff as air quality deteriorates. Companies including Lendlease, Far East Organization, and CapitaLand Investment have enhanced cleaning and monitoring of air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems across their malls to improve indoor air quality.
To reduce the ingress of polluted air, several landlords have kept automated mall entrances closed. Lendlease and CapitaLand Investment have also begun distributing N95 masks to employees and contractors who face extended outdoor exposure. CapitaLand Investment, which manages shopping centers such as ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura, Tampines Mall, Junction 8, Funan, and Kallang Wave Mall, has taken additional steps by closing windows and automatic sliding doors where feasible and directing customers to alternative entrances. Outdoor facilities and activities may also be suspended when pollution levels reach unhealthy thresholds.
At Junction 8, signs displayed at disabled automatic entrance doors instructed shoppers to use side entrances instead to maintain indoor air quality amid rising pollutant levels. Similarly, Far East Organization, which oversees Orchard Central, Clarke Quay Central, Square 2, and One Holland Village, has advised mall tenants with exterior-facing entries to keep their doors closed. Due to One Holland Village’s open layout, tenants have been encouraged to close shop entrances where possible, and outdoor events have been postponed until November. Deborah Tan, director for operations and marketing at Far East Organization’s commercial group, stated that the company closely monitors updates from the National Environment Agency (NEA) and adjusts safety protocols as conditions evolve.
Lendlease manages properties including Parkway Parade, 313@somerset, Jem, and PLQ Mall. Jenny Khoo, head of retail and workspace management for Lendlease, said that staff well-being is a priority, and flexible work arrangements may be considered. The company follows stringent maintenance schedules for air filter cleaning and replacement under normal conditions, but increases monitoring and filter changes during haze episodes. Additionally, Lendlease has installed bipolar ionisation systems intended to reduce dust, odors, and pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Outdoor play areas, such as those at Jem, may be temporarily closed when the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) exceeds 200. Khoo emphasized that all precautionary steps are taken in accordance with NEA advisories.
Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust, which manages VivoCity, declined to comment, though a sign on one entrance indicated it was closed to limit outdoor haze entry. VivoCity features rooftop outdoor amenities, including an open wading pool and free-access playground areas. City Square Mall has temporarily shut its outdoor playgrounds and reduced non-essential outdoor duties for staff. To support visitors, the mall is offering complimentary honey lemon drinks at the customer service counter from October 19 to November 1.
The haze issue remains a significant concern in the region. A June report from the Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a “red” warning, highlighting the high risk of severe transboundary haze affecting Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Research conducted by academics from Nanyang Technological University and Singapore University of Social Sciences estimated the economic cost of a two-month haze episode in 2015 at roughly S$1.83 billion, equivalent to 0.45% of Singapore’s GDP. The study accounted for health impacts, loss of tourism, decreased business activity, productivity declines due to restricted outdoor activity, and mitigation expenses by government and households.