Outdoor stints cut for SAF troops, immigration officers if PSI soars

Outdoor stints cut for SAF troops, immigration officers if PSI soars

Despite a week-long break from the haze, some key institutions here are preparing for its return.

Troops from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) resumed outfield training earlier this week, but those with operational duties have been given N95 masks in case the air quality turns hazardous. These soldiers are primarily those who guard key installations like Jurong Island, Sembawang Wharves and Changi Airport.

The 3rd Guards Battalion began its patrolling duties at these installations this week.

Should the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) exceed 200, its soldiers will perform their duties with N95 masks, said its commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Fredie Tan. If the 24-hour PSI forecast soars above 300, their shifts will be shortened.

Provisions are also being made for soldiers who missed training due to the haze. The Defence Ministry said those due to take their mandatory annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test will have the window extended by a month.

Immigration officers manning the country's checkpoints are also being looked after. Officers who are pregnant or who have heart ailments have been redeployed from outdoor duties, said civil service head Peter Ong, who visited Woodlands Checkpoint yesterday. Immigration officers with outdoor duties will also perform shorter shifts.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is advising those with haze-related conditions to visit its website and find out which general practitioners offer subsidised treatment.

Separately, the Government has come up with a set of household tips to cope with the haze. These will be available on the National Environment Agency's website from today.

jermync@sph.com.sg

brynasim@sph.com.sg

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