Air quality across parts of Singapore deteriorated into the unhealthy range on Sept 19, according to the National Environment Agency, as transboundary smoke from forest and peatland fires in neighboring Indonesia drifted inland. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) in the central region crossed 100 during the afternoon, with nationwide readings at 5 p.m. registering between 80 and 108 in the moderate to unhealthy range.
Impact on Open-Air Dining and Weekend Footfall
Popular outdoor spots like the East Coast Lagoon Food Village saw a sharp drop in visitors on Sept 19. Ragamatthulla, a 48-year-old hawker known as Rahman who runs Adigun Curry Claypot, noted that the usual dinner crowd failed to materialize. “By now, the dinner crowd would have started building up, but there are a lot of empty seats today,” he said, adding that families with children were staying home. Roy Tan, 38, who works at a drink stall in the hawker center, observed lower footfall across both Sept 18 and Sept 19 and expressed hope that business would soon recover.
Park Activities and Family Outings
Parks across Singapore also experienced reduced crowds, with some visitors wearing masks. Mohammad Hafiq, 37, visited East Coast Park with his wife and 10-month-old daughter, Mardhiah Mohammad Hafiq, to give her a first seaside experience. He stated they would leave if the air quality worsened and take precautions once the haze became noticeable. Meanwhile, at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, a daily morning qigong session for residents aged 50 and above has been suspended for a week due to the haze. Organizers have sent daily confirmation messages to participants, who typically number between 10 and 20 on weekdays and more on weekends.
Did You Know?
During the haze season, attractions like Resorts World Sentosa remain open while enhancing indoor air quality measures, offering masks to guests upon request, and providing medical personnel for anyone feeling unwell.
Official Forecasts and Attraction Operations
The National Environment Agency reported at 6 p.m. on Sept 19 that dry conditions persist over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra, with smoke plumes drifting toward Singapore. Prevailing winds blowing from the east-southeast or southeast create an ongoing risk of smoke haze, with the 24-hour PSI forecast to remain in the high-moderate to mid-unhealthy range. Attractions operated by Resorts World Sentosa, including Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Singapore Oceanarium, remain open with enhanced air quality monitoring. The Sentosa Development Corporation stated it is closely monitoring PSI forecasts and working with event organizers to recommend operational adjustments or visitor advisories as needed.
Expert Insight
When transboundary haze pushes the 24-hour PSI into the unhealthy bracket, public reliance on official National Environment Agency advisories becomes vital. Venues and organizers must balance operational continuity with health safeguards, adjusting outdoor formats and keeping visitors promptly informed to mitigate exposure risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the haze in Singapore on Sept 19?
The haze was caused by transboundary smoke blown inland from regional forest and peatland fires in neighboring Indonesia, specifically over Kalimantan and southern Sumatra.
What was the PSI reading on Sept 19?
According to the National Environment Agency, the 24-hour PSI readings at 5 p.m. ranged from 80 to 108, placing air quality in the moderate to unhealthy range, with central region readings exceeding 100.
Are tourist attractions and parks closing due to the haze?
Venues operated by Resorts World Sentosa remain open with enhanced indoor air quality measures and masks available upon request. However, some outdoor community activities, such as morning qigong sessions at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, have been suspended.
How has the haze impacted your weekend outdoor plans across Singapore?
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