New air quality reporting system to come into effect Apr 1

SINGAPORE — In view of the earlier onset of hazy conditions this year the new air quality reporting system, which will take into account PM2.5, will come into effect on Apr 1, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan this afternoon (March 20). This is one month ahead of its original schedule.

While the showers Singapore experienced over the last few days have improved air quality, Dr Balakrishnan said that this might be a temporary situation as slashing and burning activities in Indonesia had begun earlier this year.

The Riau province had been enveloped with a dense haze that is more severe than last year’s June episode since the middle of last month.

Meteorologists are also predicting that El Nino will kick in this year, leading to the possibility of aggravated haze. El Nino is characterised by dry weather.

With this in mind, there is a need to accelerate Singapore’s preparations should we be affected earlier by transboundary haze, said Dr Balakrishnan.

The Ministry of Health has revised the haze health advisory for the general public which will also take effect on Apr 1, while revised workplace guidelines for employers on protecting employees from the effects of haze has been issued by the Ministry of Manpower.