In brief
Singapore’s authorities said the country will end its haze mitigation measures after improving weather and reduced haze activity in the region. Mask distribution and the use of air‑conditioned haze shelters will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday, while health and labour precautions will be lifted soon thereafter.
In Singapore, the National Environment Agency announced on Thursday that the country will lift its haze mitigation measures as improving weather and reduced haze activity lessened the risk of transboundary haze.
The agency said mask distribution at community clubs, public transport hubs and other designated venues will end at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday.
Air‑conditioned haze shelters at community clubs and selected residents' centres will also close at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday.
The Ministry of Manpower will lift haze‑related precautions for outdoor workers from the same date.
The Ministry of Health will deactivate the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme and Haze Subsidy Scheme from Nov. 12.
Singapore’s 24‑hour Pollutant Standards Index stood at 56‑64, in the moderate range, as of 7 p.m. local time on Thursday, while one‑hour PM2.5 readings were in the normal range.
Showers and variable winds are expected to suppress haze in Singapore and the surrounding region through the weekend, the NEA said.
These measures have been in place since the region first experienced haze in recent years, when smoke from forest fires outside Singapore caused poor air quality and prompted widespread mask‑wearing and shelter use.
The decision follows a steep decline in haze activity around the island, according to the agency’s latest monitoring and modelling data.
The NEA highlighted that the weather pattern over the weekend, with showers and variable winds, is likely to further reduce haze concentration in the air.
Over the past month, the country has relied on two main tactics: distributing free masks at key points across the city and establishing temporary air‑conditioned shelters to protect residents from the fine particulate matter.
Mask distribution had begun in December, with community clubs serving as primary points of distribution for thousands of residents.
During the afternoon of Saturday, staff at selected community clubs and transport hubs will begin closing down operations associated with the haze mitigation plan.
Following the closure of public shelters, residents are advised to use indoor spaces with good ventilation while monitoring local air quality reports.
Health officials will monitor the situation and issue advisories if air quality deteriorates again, while the Ministry of Manpower is ready to re‑implement precautions for outdoor workers if necessary.
Officials also noted that the public health subsidies and the clinic scheme that were launched to support people affected by haze will end the next day, giving a small relief to the finances of the Health Ministry.
The announcement was welcomed by many residents who have been wearing masks and relying on the shelters for several weeks.