Haze pushes Singapore air quality into unhealthy range

· Climate · Singapore · Malaysia

Singapore's air quality was mostly in the unhealthy range on Sunday, with PM2.5 levels elevated in three regions, and the National Environment Agency said the 24-hour PSI was expected to remain unhealthy on Monday, ranging from 101 to 190. The haze, linked to Indonesian wildfires, is spreading to surrounding countries. In Malaysia, schools in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang and Penang were set to reopen on Oct 19, with students and staff told to wear masks. Families across Southeast Asia are rushing to buy oxygen tanks and air purifiers to keep indoor air clean as the pollution spell drags on.

Why it matters:Transboundary haze is a recurring regional health and economic risk across Southeast Asia, affecting schools, work and household spending.

Key points

  • Singapore's 24-hour PSI was forecast at 101-190 on Monday.
  • Malaysian schools in five states were set to reopen with mask guidance.
  • Demand for oxygen tanks and air purifiers has spiked across the region.

Sources (original reporting)

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