Featured image adapted from Grace Fu on Facebook and Ah Wong San on Facebook.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu stated that Indonesia has not given an update regarding Singapore’s offer of assistance for the wildfires and haze.
She also explained that Singapore is collecting and reviewing data on the haze and may take legal action against involved companies.
As the haze over Singapore worsens, the government has begun distribution of N95 masks to vulnerable Singaporeans through Community Clubs (CC).
Source: Siglap East Residents’ Committee – SERC on Facebook
Ms Fu was present at a mask distribution exercise at Yuhua CC on Wednesday (14 Oct).
She told the media that Singapore hopes Indonesian authorities can contain the wildfires that cause the haze.
“It’s a very difficult year because of El Niño. The weather has been very dry, and we know that the issues are very complex,” she stated.
An extreme ‘Super El Niño’ this year has resulted in regional rainfall being 80% below average since June.
On 10 Oct, Ms Fu said that Singapore has offered Indonesia support to contain the wildfires.
At Yuhua CC, she explained that Indonesia has not gotten back to Singapore about the open offer.
Source: Grace Fu on Facebook
“Our offer to help remains there, and we’re very happy to discuss with our counterparts if they so wish,” Ms Fu said.
Additionally, Singapore is looking forward to discussing the issue at a regional level with its counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Ms Fu stated that the government is currently collecting and reviewing data on the ongoing haze.
Singapore is keeping its options open regarding legal action against the involved companies.
Source: Ah Wong San on Facebook
The Transboundary Haze Pollution Act 2014 allows action against companies that contribute to the haze in Singapore even while operating overseas.
Earlier this month, environmental organisation Greenpeace found several Singapore-linked companies accused of involvement in the Indonesian wildfires.
At the Yuhua CC event, Indonesia Government Communications Agency head Syahganda Nainggolan’s comments on Indonesia supplying oxygen to Singapore were brought up.
Ms Fu responded that climate issues are global, and Singapore thus urges collective action.
“All of us have to work with one another to ensure that we give the best conditions to our people,” she stated.
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Featured image adapted from Grace Fu on Facebook and Ah Wong San on Facebook.