SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The National Environment Agency (NEA) is monitoring air quality in Singapore, as the 24-hour PSI in the central part of the island nears the unhealthy range.
At 1pm, the PSI was between 68 and 90 within the moderate range, with the highest reading of 90 recorded in central Singapore.
It later rose to between 68 and 91 at 2pm, before creeping up to between 69 and 92 at 3pm. Air quality is considered unhealthy when the PSI value is between 101 and 200.
In a Facebook post on Aug 24, NEA said it observed an escalation in hot spot and smoke haze activity over the weekend, with hot spots and dense smoke plumes detected mainly in Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.
Some smoke plumes were also observed in Riau, it said, adding that dry conditions are expected to persist during the week.
“With prevailing winds blowing from the south or south-east, there could be occasional periods of haze affecting Singapore,” said NEA.
It said it is closely monitoring the overall air quality and will provide the necessary advisory should air quality worsen.
NEA advised the public to check its website, the haze microsite and myENV app for real-time information on air quality.
People should also refer to the 1-hour PM2.5 levels and personal guide when planning immediate outdoor activities.
In a statement on Aug 9, NEA said reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion, and drinking water to stay hydrated, can reduce ill effects from haze exposure.
Those with pre-existing chronic heart and lung conditions should have their medication readily on hand.
Vulnerable people, including the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with pre-existing chronic heart and lung conditions, who develop symptoms or feel unwell, should seek medical attention promptly, added NEA.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto ordered over the weekend a rapid response to the escalating land fires in Kalimantan.
The fires have affected an estimated 38,310ha in West Kalimantan, 7,634ha in Central Kalimantan and 8,620ha in South Kalimantan, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
In Malaysia, asthma cases rose by 259 per cent in the latest epidemiological week, with upper respiratory tract infection cases rising by 124 per cent.
Several schools in Sarawak were also ordered to close last week due to the haze. -- The Straits Times/ANN
