Why is Singapore’s haze pollution law trending?
Air quality has repeatedly hit 'unhealthy' levels since September 4, crossing the threshold for the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act to be enacted. The National Environment Agency is currently monitoring fire hotspots and gathering data on their impact.
What happened
- 4 Sept
Air quality first drops to unhealthy levels after several haze-free years [1]
- 5 Oct
The longest current episode of unhealthy air begins [1]
- 9 Oct
PSI reaches 192 in central Singapore, the highest level of 2026 [1]
- 10 Oct
Minister Grace Fu offers assistance to Indonesia to help with haze conditions [1]
- 12 Oct
Subsidised haze-related medical treatments begin at polyclinics and certain clinics [2]
What you need to know
The law applies if the PSI stays at 101 or higher in any part of Singapore for at least 24 hours [1].
Those found guilty can face daily fines up to $100,000, with a maximum total of $2 million [1].
N95 masks will be given to vulnerable people if the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200 [2].
Schools may close if the air quality forecast reaches the 'hazardous' range (PSI over 300) [2].
It is not confirmed if the National Environment Agency will take legal action against specific companies.
Background
The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act was created in 2014 to target those who cause or allow fires that pollute Singapore's air [1].
Haze is a recurring issue in Southeast Asia, often caused by land clearing for pulp and oil palm plantations in Indonesian provinces like Kalimantan and South Sumatra [1].
Singapore uses satellite data and wind patterns to determine if smoke from regional fires is moving toward the city-state [1].
Questions people ask
When does the haze law get triggered?
It is enacted when the PSI is 101 or higher in any part of Singapore for 24 hours or more [1].
What happens to schools during severe haze?
The Ministry of Education may close schools if the PSI is forecast to exceed 300 [2].
Where this came from
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.