PUBLISHED ONSeptember 04, 2026 4:02 AMUPDATEDSeptember 04, 2026 6:02 AMBYLaili AbdeenAfter the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) entered the Unhealthy range at 7am in the central region on Friday (Sept 4), agencies from the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF) rolled out action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public.
This is the first time the PSI has entered the Unhealthy range due to haze since Oct 8, 2023.
At 12pm, the 24-hour PSI reading on Sept 4 was 105 in central Singapore.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said they will begin providing daily haze advisories starting from the evening of Sept 4, including the 24-hour PSI forecast for members of the public to plan their activities and events for the next 24 hours, available on www.haze.gov.sg, www.nea.gov.sg and the myENV app.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has also worked with healthcare institutions and long-term care providers — including public hospitals, polyclinics and nursing homes — to put in place haze preparedness measures such as using air purifiers, fans and deploying portable air coolers to reduce ambient temperature where appropriate.
Our public healthcare institutions are also monitoring patients closely for any possible health effects of the haze and will carry out appropriate medical intervention where necessary.
The public is advised to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. N95 masks are not required for short exposures such commuting from home to school or work, or in an indoor environment.
Those with chronic heart and lung conditions should keep their medications on hand and readily accessible.
Vulnerable persons, especially the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart and lung conditions, should seek medical attention promptly should they develop symptoms or feel unwell.
These persons are also advised to avoid or minimise outdoor activity when the forecasted air quality is Very Unhealthy (PSI >200) and wear an N95 mask if they have to be outdoors for several hours.
All classrooms of primary and secondary schools, junior colleges/Millennia Institute, preschools, MOE Kindergartens and Special Education schools have been equipped with air purifiers to enhance the well-being of students during a haze situation.
The Early Childhood Development Agency and Ministry of Education have advised preschools and schools respectively to monitor the air quality levels and comply with the corresponding health advisories.
Parents are advised to take their children to seek medical attention if they are feeling unwell or exhibiting any respiratory problems due to the haze.
Schools will remain open and national examinations will proceed as scheduled.
However, schools have made arrangements for all candidates to take their papers in enclosed spaces with air purifiers if the air quality is in the Unhealthy range or worse during the examination.
National examinations will be rescheduled if a school closure occurs.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has also reminded employers to take the necessary measures to prepare their companies and workforce to minimise or mitigate the impact of haze effects based on MOM’s haze guidelines and tripartite advisories (www.mom.gov.sg/haze).
All workplaces are urged to take the following risk mitigating measures when the 24-hour PSI is in the Unhealthy range:
Sport Singapore has advised all participants and organisers of sports activities to monitor the air quality and follow the health advisories issued by relevant agencies, including its sports safety and haze management advisory (https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/sports-education/sports-safety/haze-management-at-sport-singapore/).
Members of the public are advised to take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety even as outdoor and indoor sports facilities remain open.
Event organisers should conduct their own risk management with due consideration of the health advisories when deciding whether to proceed with sports activities.
Community activities organised by the People’s Association and its grassroots organisations will also be guided by the 24-hour PSI forecast issued by NEA and the accompanying health advisory.
Members of the public who want to seek respite from the haze can also head to the air-conditioned rooms in all Community Centres/Clubs and selected Residents’ Committee Centres/Residents’ Network Centres which are on standby should the 24-hour PSI reading cross into the Very Unhealthy level (PSI >200).
The HTF will continue to monitor the situation closely to minimise the impact of haze on the public and agencies under HTF will provide further advisories should the haze situation deteriorate.
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