PUBLISHED ONOctober 15, 2026 10:39 AMBYSean LerDistribution of N95 masks for eligible Singaporeans started on Wednesday (Oct 14), after the hourly PM2.5 reading entered the "very high" band in the western region, with PSI forecast to reach the very unhealthy range.
A day after the announcement, mask collection is now well underway at community clubs and designated vending machines located at selected public transport hubs, social service offices and People's Association venues.
AsiaOne visited Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang and Yishun bus interchanges between 12pm and 3pm.
Stocks at Yishun bus interchange were depleted within an hour of replenishment, running out by 12.20pm.
Despite that, a crew member was present to guide those collecting masks to the next nearest location.
But the situation was better at Ang Mo Kio and Yio Chu Kang bus interchanges, where supplies were generally healthy.
Those queuing for their N95 masks at Ang Mo Kio bus interchange spent an average of 10 minutes in line, with a steady stream of about 30 people in queue.
Anne Lek, 73, told AsiaOne that she waited for about 10 minutes to get a mask.
Bernard Goh, 65, waited for almost the same time, but he said he did not mind the wait as N95 stocks have not been refilled at the shops he visited.
"The process is good. very fast, very efficient. As long as you've got your identity card, you just have to scan the barcode and the pack drops out."
He added that there were staff from the interchange helping out, making the process still efficient, overall.
The Haze Task Force had said in a statement on Wednesday evening that Singapore has sufficient stocks of N95 masks in retailers' warehouses and Government stockpiles.
It explained that N95 masks may be temporarily unavailable at some retail outlets due to increased demand.
"As part of ongoing haze preparedness efforts, the task force is working closely with retailers to replenish stocks and ensure the availability of N95 masks to the public," it stated.
At Kallang Community Club, about 20 people — mostly nearby residents — streamed into the office for collection after doors opened at 10am.
Most of them spent less than a minute to get their masks and were assisted by three staff members at counters.
A staff member told AsiaOne that as the area has older residents, the community club's staff who arrive early will also look out for those already in queue and assist them where possible.
"This helps to reduce their exposure outside," she said.
Speaking to the media at Yuhua Community Club on Wednesday night, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu sought the public's understanding as deployment of haze mask vending machines went into full swing.
Asked about comments by an Indonesian official that the country's forests also supply oxygen to Singapore, Fu stressed that climate issues are global in nature and require collective action.
"As part of the global community, all of us have to work with one another to ensure that we give the best condition to our people," she said.
In Indonesia, Environment Minister Jumhur Hidayat said the intensity of the fires had already started to decline, according to Indonesian news agency Antara.
"Based on discussions with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the fires could be extinguished in the next few weeks," Jumhur said on Tuesday, according to Antara.
Members of the public are encouraged to check GoWhereHazeMask on the latest stock availability before heading out to collect their masks.
They should also check the latest one-hour PM2.5 before participating in any immediate outdoor activities.
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