Singapore is currently gathering data on the transboundary haze situation and is keeping open the possibility of taking legal action against companies responsible for fires under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said on October 14.
Speaking at a mask distribution event at Yuhua Community Club, where she serves as a Member of Parliament, Fu emphasized that Singapore is monitoring the situation closely and will consider available options based on the evidence collected. The Act, established in 2014, targets entities responsible for causing or allowing fires that result in air quality reaching unhealthy levels, defined as a Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) of 101 or above sustained for 24 hours or more in any part of the country. Penalties can reach up to S$100,000 per day, capped at S$2 million in total.
The nation has experienced multiple haze episodes exceeding these PSI thresholds since September 4, with air quality deteriorating due to smoke drifting from regional forest fires, many linked to dry weather conditions worsened by the El Niño phenomenon. Fu noted the challenges faced by Indonesian authorities in containing the fires, reiterating Singapore’s hope that the situation will improve. She also highlighted Singapore’s readiness to assist Indonesia where possible, although no updates have been received from Indonesian officials regarding such offers.
On October 10, Fu contacted Indonesian Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat to express support for firefighting efforts, and Indonesian officials have indicated they are reviewing regional aid proposals before deciding on acceptance. Indonesia expects to extinguish the fires within a month, a timeline Fu expressed hope for, despite acknowledging the difficulty given current climatic conditions.
The worsening haze led to Singapore’s PSI reaching “very unhealthy” levels, with a reading of 203 recorded in the western region at 9 p.m. on October 14, marking the highest during the ongoing episode. In response, the government expedited the distribution of N95 masks to vulnerable groups ahead of previous plans, prompted by a spike in PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations throughout the day. PM2.5 data are integral to determining PSI levels. Masks are being distributed through community channels and dispersed via 37 planned vending machines located at public transport hubs and social service offices, though full deployment will take several days.
Additionally, air-conditioned safe spaces have been set up in community clubs and residents’ committee centers for residents seeking relief from poor air quality. Fu emphasized Singapore’s precautionary measures and called for public patience as authorities work to provide sufficient protective resources nationwide.
Fu also underscored the importance of regional cooperation, noting that addressing the haze is part of broader global climate challenges requiring coordinated action among countries. She looks forward to ongoing discussions at the ASEAN level with regional counterparts to tackle this recurring environmental issue.