S’pore stands ready to assist in putting out Indonesia forest fires, supports regional discussions: Grace Fu

Indonesia forest fires harder to put out due to El Nino, Singapore ready to assist

As haze blankets Singapore once again, the Republic stands ready to assist in putting out forest fires in Indonesia, said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu.

In a media soundbite on Saturday (10 Oct), she added that she would support regional efforts to discuss regional cooperation on haze issues.

Singapore aware that efforts to put out fires are ongoing, ready to assist

Ms Fu acknowledged that the region is currently facing “very dry weather” because of the El Nino phenomenon.

Thus, forest fires have become “a lot harder” to put out, she noted.

Singapore is aware that efforts are ongoing, she said, adding:

We stand ready to assist where we can.

Singapore has been in touch with Indonesia, offered support

Singapore has also been in touch with neighbouring countries, including Indonesia’s Minister for Environment Jumhur Hidayat.

Ms Fu has offered him support and also expressed “appreciation for the effort that he has put in in containing the forest fires”, she said, adding:

I’m also supporting any regional efforts to have discussions on regional cooperation on haze issues.

Govt ‘very concerned’, is on top of the situation

Domestically, the Singapore Government is “very concerned” for the well-being of our population, particularly those who are more vulnerable, Ms Fu said.

She assured the public that the authorities are on top of the situation and will do “whatever is needed to protect the public health of Singaporeans”.

Sufficient stock of N95 masks has been prepared and will be given out when the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) enters the “very unhealthy” range.

Haze shelters, i.e. air-conditioned areas with air purifiers, will be activated at community centres and some Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) centres. These are for those who do not have air-conditioning at home to seek shelter.

Nationwide contingency plans are also in place depending on the PSI level, along with sectoral guidance for schools, preschools, workplaces, as well as health institutions, she noted.

Also read: N95 masks to be distributed if S’pore PSI enters ‘very unhealthy’ range, preschools to cease outdoor activities

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Featured image adapted from Grace Fu on Facebook and Wikimedia Commons.