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Singapore smog hits hazardous levels | Singapore smog hits hazardous levels |
(34 minutes later) | |
Singapore and Indonesia are to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday after haze in Singapore soared to hazardous levels. | Singapore and Indonesia are to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday after haze in Singapore soared to hazardous levels. |
Singapore's environment minister said his team would "insist on definitive action" from neighbouring Indonesia. | Singapore's environment minister said his team would "insist on definitive action" from neighbouring Indonesia. |
Late on Wednesday, Singapore's pollution standards index (PSI) hit 321, breaking all previous records and prompting government health warnings. | Late on Wednesday, Singapore's pollution standards index (PSI) hit 321, breaking all previous records and prompting government health warnings. |
The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra island. | The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra island. |
Andrew Tan, the chief executive of Singapore's National Environment Agency, will lead Singapore's delegation at the emergency meeting, hosted by Indonesia's foreign ministry in Jakarta. | |
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister, wrote on his Facebook wall that "Singaporeans have lost patience, and are understandably angry." | |
"No country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans' health and wellbeing," he added. | |
'Cloud seeding' | |
Singapore's buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state. | Singapore's buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state. |
Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong has asked Singaporeans to "stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities". The military has also reportedly suspended all outdoor training. | Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong has asked Singaporeans to "stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities". The military has also reportedly suspended all outdoor training. |
The poor air quality has prompted widespread buying of disposable face masks, leading shops to run out of stock. | The poor air quality has prompted widespread buying of disposable face masks, leading shops to run out of stock. |
A PSI reading above 200 indicates "very unhealthy" air, while a PSI score above 300 is "hazardous". | A PSI reading above 200 indicates "very unhealthy" air, while a PSI score above 300 is "hazardous". |
Air quality in parts of Malaysia has also reportedly deteriorated, with some areas badly affected by the smog. | |
Indonesia's forestry ministry said it intended to use cloud seeding to try to induce rain on Sumatra, AFP news agency reported. | |
The fires are started to clear land for plantations. | |
Indonesian officials have suggested that foreign palm oil investors, including Singaporean companies, may bear some responsibility for the fires. | |
However, several major Singapore-based palm oil companies have denied any involvement. |