Singapore Issues Legal Notices to Ten Firms Over Sumatra Haze
- On 23 October 2026, the National Environment Agency reported that smoke haze from Sumatra drifted toward Singapore, pushing the 24-hour pollutant standards index into the moderate to unhealthy...
- Dry conditions across the region caused the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings to climb between 70 and 98 micrograms per cubic meter on 23 October 2026, placing them in...
- The Ministry of Health advised vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, to avoid outdoor activities when 1-hour PM2.5 readings...
On 23 October 2026, the National Environment Agency reported that smoke haze from Sumatra drifted toward Singapore, pushing the 24-hour pollutant standards index into the moderate to unhealthy range of 85 to 108, according to nea.gov.sg.
Smoke Haze Blankets Singapore as Readings Rise
Dry conditions across the region caused the 1-hour PM2.5 concentration readings to climb between 70 and 98 micrograms per cubic meter on 23 October 2026, placing them in the elevated band. According to nea.gov.sg, smoke haze from Kalimantan was also observed in the area under prevailing south-southeasterly or south-southwesterly winds.
The Ministry of Health advised vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, to avoid outdoor activities when 1-hour PM2.5 readings enter the high band. For immediate outdoor tasks, the ministry stated that residents may wear a well-fitting N95 mask to reduce exposure.
Legal Notices Issued to Ten Plantation Firms
The National Environment Agency issued legal notices on 23 October 2026 to 10 Indonesia-registered companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, requiring them to stop burning and submit fire prevention plans, the Straits Times reported. Under the legislation, guilty parties face fines of up to $100,000 a day, capped at a total of $2 million.
Four of the 10 firms are pulpwood suppliers officially linked to Asia Pulp & Paper, according to the Straits Times.
Delivery Riders Continue Working Through Unhealthy Air
Food delivery riders in Singapore spent up to 14 hours a day on motorcycles navigating the haze to meet daily expenses, the Independent Singapore reported. Delivery platforms such as Grab and Foodpanda introduced flexible breaks, haze advisories, and support incentives while assuring riders they would not face penalties for delivery delays.
Forecast and Air Quality Expectations for 24 October
The National Environment Agency forecast the 24-hour PSI for 24 October 2026 to sit between 90 and 140, which falls into the moderate to unhealthy range. Showers are expected across Singapore and the surrounding region, which may help improve the haze situation.
Winds are expected to shift from the southwest or west starting on 25 October 2026, which nea.gov.sg reported may reduce the amount of smoke haze transported to Singapore.