Media Soundbite on Current Haze Conditions and WOG Efforts - Ms Grace Fu

As you know, the condition of haze has worsened over the past week. That's because we have increased hot spots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, also because the wind conditions has been unfavourable to us. Although we expect some rain over the weekend, but we could expect the haze level to exceed 200, going into the Very Unhealthy range. So we have to be prepared.

We are very concerned for our population, particularly those that are more vulnerable, the seniors, the young children, pregnant women, as well as those with lung or heart conditions. We are on top of situation. The Haze Task Force, has been meeting regularly. We have sufficient stock of the N95 mask, and will be prepared to deploy when necessary. 

When the 24-hour PSI breaches 200, we will activate the mask distribution exercise. Eligible Singaporeans could get their mask either through vending machines or through the Community Centres. We will also be activating the haze shelters in our community, and that's the air-conditioned areas in our community centres, as well as some of the RC and RN centres. So basically, it's areas that's convenient to the population. If they do not have air conditioning at home, they can actually seek shelter in some of these air conditioning areas with air purifiers. 

We are very concerned about public health, and therefore we have contingency plans according to the PSI levels. We also have sectoral guidance, including the schools, pre-schools, workplaces, as well as the health institutions, so you can find guidance from the sector leads, such as MOE coming up with advisory on the different approaches with different levels of PSI. 

We are in touch with our neighbours. As you know, this is an area where, because of El Nino, we are facing very dry weather in the region, and therefore it has made forest fires a lot harder to put out. We are aware that efforts are going on. We stand ready to assist where we can. I have been in touch with the Minister of Environment of Indonesia, Minister Jumhur Hidayat, and I have offered my support and also appreciation for the effort that he has put in in containing the forest fires. I'm also supporting any regional efforts to have discussions on regional cooperation on haze issues. 

Just to reiterate, we are concerned about the well-being of our people. 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. Thank you.