Singapore haze reaches worst level in three years as Indonesian forest fires rage
- Air quality in Singapore has reached ‘unhealthy’ levels as smoke from fires in neighbouring Indonesia continues to affect the region
- Singapore is set to host the Formula One Grand Prix next week
The 24-hour Pollution Standards Index, which Singapore’s NEA uses as a benchmark, was in a range of 87-106 in the afternoon. A reading above 100 is considered unhealthy. This is the first time the 24-hour benchmark has breached 100 since August 2016, data shows.
“There has been a deterioration in the haze conditions in Singapore this afternoon,” the NEA said in a statement.
“This was due to a confluence of winds over the nearby region that led to more smoke haze from Sumatra being blown toward Singapore.”
Many Singaporeans chose to stay indoors on Saturday as a grey haze shrouded the city.
Singapore, which prides itself on its clean air, passed a cross-border air pollution law in 2014 that makes those who cause haze both criminally and civilly liable.
