Grace Fu on preparations for possible return of transboundary haze

The Government is looking at creating spaces that can be haze “sanctuaries” for vulnerable groups such as the elderly who may not have air-conditioning, air purifiers or N95 masks at home. Some Residents’ Committee Centres and community club study rooms could be used. Sustainability and the Environment Minister Grace Fu said her ministry was taking up MP Yip Hon Weng’s suggestion on this, which he made in Parliament on Wednesday (Jul 5). She also agreed to take up MP He Ting Ru’s subsequent suggestion that the spaces also be used as sanctuaries when there are severe and prolonged heatwaves. Ms Fu said this year’s upcoming dry season in the region is expected to be the hottest and driest since 2019, partly because of the return of El Nino in the next two months. This will lead to potentially more hotspots and an increase in transboundary haze. The Inter-Agency Haze Task Force led by the National Environment Agency has been coordinating and updating Singapore’s national action plans to prepare for the possible return of haze. Ms Fu elaborated on what is being done, including ensuring sufficient stock of N95 masks and plans to distribute them to low-income and vulnerable groups if needed, as well as preparations for a possible increase in haze-related illnesses.