Haze remains at unhealthy levels on Wednesday

SINGAPORE - The haze in Singapore has been hovering at unhealthy levels on Wednesday morning despite the rain last night.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 3pm was between 97 and 117, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in its latest update. The unhealthy range is 101-200.

The 3-hour PSI, which is only an indicative measure, stands at 131, up from 118 at 2pm.

Meanwhile, the government has reinstated the Haze Subsidy Scheme, which provides children, the elderly and lower and middle-income Singaporeans with treatment for haze-related conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

Up to 30,000 face masks will also be distributed by the People's Association to vulnerable households comprising seniors and residents.

Organisers of the Singapore Grand Prix have also said that the race will happen as planned this weekend, despite concerns over the reduced visibility.

NEA said that the situation may improve on Friday when wind patterns change, blowing the haze away from Singapore. The current haze in Singapore has been attributed partly to a storm in the South China Sea, which has affected wind patterns, causing the haze to be blown towards Singapore.

grongloh@sph.com.sg

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