Singapore Government Stand Ready to Mitigate Impact of Haze

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE ISSUED ON BEHALF OF AGENCIES IN THE HAZE TASK FORCE

9 August 2026 – As of 9 August 2026, 1.00pm, the 24-hr Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is 81 (Moderate range) in the Central region of Singapore. The 28 public agencies that make up the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF) are ready to roll out their respective haze action plans should the air quality deteriorate into the Unhealthy range, when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 100. 

2.        Recent dry conditions have resulted in an escalation in the hotspot situation. Hotspots and smoke plumes were observed over parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Under prevailing southeasterly winds, smoke haze could be transported towards Singapore, particularly from the hotspots in the southern parts of Sumatra. The dry conditions are expected to continue in the coming week which could increase the risk of haze should the fires persist.

3.        NEA will continue to closely monitor the haze situation and provide further updates if the situation changes. If the 24-hour PSI enters the Unhealthy range, NEA will issue daily haze advisories. The daily haze advisory will include the 24-hour PSI forecast, which can be used by the public to plan their activities and events the next day.

4.        1-hour PM_2.5 concentration as an indicator of current air quality, and 1-hour PM2.5 associated personal guide when planning outdoor or strenuous activities over the next few hours. The 1-hour PM_2.5 concentration level can be volatile and fluctuate throughout the day based on weather conditions, particularly during periods of transboundary haze.

5.        The impact of haze on an individual is dependent on his or her health status, the 24-hour PSI level, and the duration and intensity of outdoor activities. 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 ensure medication is readily on hand. Vulnerable persons, 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. More practical tips for households to reduce exposure to haze can be found here. Current air quality readings and advisories to protect public health, especially vulnerable groups are available on www.haze.gov.sg, www.nea.gov.sg and the myENV app.

Government Haze Task Force

6.        The HTF, which is chaired by NEA, develops and implements action plans to minimise and manage the impact of haze on Singapore. HTF member agencies have robust action plans in place, allowing tiered responses depending on the intensity of the haze, which are based on the air quality readings and forecasts.

7.        The HTF convenes annually, before the start of the dry season in June to update its plans. This year’s HTF has convened twice so far – once in end-January in light of the peatland and vegetation fires in east Johor (due to dry weather), resulting in some plumes from the fires to drift towards Singapore, and once in April. Refer to Annex A for the list of HTF members. For more details of the HTF’s action plans for mitigating the impact of haze, refer to Annex B.

Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force