Haze care packs distributed to Pulau Ubin residents

SINGAPORE — With the annual haze upon Singapore, WeCare packs, containing N95 masks and other provisions, were given out to Pulau Ubin residents today (Sept 27).

Distributed by Minister of State for National Development Maliki Osman and Siglap grassroots volunteers, other items in the pack includes Vitamin C, eye drop solutions and food items such as biscuits and instant noodles. It was the first time packs were being given out to Ubin residents.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Dr Maliki said while volunteers had already handed out some masks to residents on Friday, they were concerned about how the elderly living alone on the island were managing the haze situation.

“More importantly, it is to show them that even if they are on Pulau Ubin, how far they may be, we will always care for them, we will look after their well-being and make sure their health is not affected by conditions like the haze,” he added. About 30 residents, mostly elderly, live permanently on the island. A mask collection point has also been set up on the island for residents who may need more masks.

The latest bout of haze hit hazardous levels last week, where the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading peaked at 267 to 322 at 8am on Friday.

The 24-hour PSI forecast for tomorrow (Sept 28) is expected to be in the low to mid-sections of the unhealthy range (101-200) with a possibility of entering the higher end of the unhealthy range should denser haze be blown over by unfavourable winds, said the National Environment Agency.