Singapore ready to help Indonesia fight forest fires amid worsening haze, says environment minister

Singapore ready to help Indonesia fight forest fires amid worsening haze, says environment minister



Speaking to the media today, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore is in contact with Indonesia and is ready to provide assistance. — AsiaOne pic


Summary

• Singapore has offered to help Indonesia manage forest fires worsened by El Nino, highlighting regional cooperation on haze issues.
• Singapore's haze has intensified due to more hotspots in Indonesia and unfavourable wind, with the government implementing plans to support vulnerable groups.
• Measures include distributing N95 masks and activating air-conditioned haze shelters, while preschools adjust activities based on air quality standards.

First Published: Saturday, 10 Oct 2026 2:16 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Oct 10 — Singapore is ready to assist Indonesia amid worsening haze conditions in the region.

Speaking to the media today, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu revealed that she has been in contact with her Indonesian counterpart and has offered support in managing forest fires, which have been made increasingly difficult to put out due to dry weather brought on by El Nino.


“We are aware that efforts are going on. We stand ready to assist where we can.”


The minister also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s efforts to contain the fires, adding that Singapore supports any further regional discussions and co-operation on the transboundary haze.


Meanwhile, the haze in Singapore has worsened over the past week, with Fu attributing the deterioration to an increase in hotspots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, as well as unfavourable wind conditions.

While some rain is expected over the weekend, she warned that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) could still exceed 200, entering the very unhealthy range.

‘We are very concerned about public health,” said Fu, highlighting vulnerable groups such as seniors, young children, pregnant women and those with heart or lung conditions.


However, the minister assured Singaporeans that the government is closely monitoring the situation, with the Haze Task Force meeting regularly to prepare for any further deterioration.

Among the measures in place is the distribution of N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200.

They can be collected at vending machines or community clubs when necessary.

Those eligible include Singaporeans from the Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, holders of the Community Health Assistance Scheme (CHAS) Blue and Orange cards, medical fee exemption card, as well as recipients of ComCare Assistance.

Pregnant women and children between ages seven and 16, and those with medical conditions such as asthma, may also collect their masks at People’s Association venues.

Air-conditioned areas in Community Clubs (CC) and selected Residents’ Committee and Residents’ Network centres will also be activated as haze shelters.

These would provide relief for residents without air-conditioning at home, allowing them to seek shelter in air-conditioned areas with air purifiers.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting Singaporeans, Fu said contingency plans have been drawn up for different PSI levels.

Sector-specific guidance is also available for schools, including preschools, workplaces and healthcare institutions, with measures adjusted according to the severity of the haze.

Preschools, for instance, will suspend outdoor activities and strenuous indoor activities if air quality reaches the very unhealthy range, according to a joint statement by the National Environment Agency and 28 government agencies on Friday.

“We are on top of the situation. We have plans put in place, and we’ll do whatever is needed to protect the public health of Singaporeans,” said Fu. — AsiaOne

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I can tell you the Indons don't like "smaller" nations like Sing or Malaysia "helping" them - too proud