Singapore steps up response as transboundary haze disrupts multiple sectors

Singapore has formed a task force to tackle 13 consecutive days of transboundary haze, with unhealthy air quality linked to Indonesian forest fires.

Singapore has established an inter-agency task force and implemented measures to tackle transboundary haze, which has affected the country for 13 consecutive days as of Saturday. Since Oct. 5, Singapore’s air quality has failed to meet safety standards, remaining at “unhealthy” or even “very unhealthy” levels throughout the period.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency said on Friday that it has been actively monitoring hotspots in the region and the spread of haze to identify companies responsible for the pollution. Meanwhile, the country’s Ministry of Education said it would consider closing schools and shifting students from preschool through secondary school to home-based learning if the haze situation worsens.