Indonesian forest fires continue to burn, with thick smoke billowing towards neighboring Singapore. Facing the persistent haze, Singapore's Prime Minister Wong Chee Weng warned that the government is investigating companies that may be responsible for the fires and may consider taking legal action.
According to a report by the American consumer news and business channel (CNBC) on October 15, due to widespread forest fires in Kalimantan region of Indonesia, Singapore's air quality remained 'unhealthy' that day. Since September 4, when the air pollution index reached an 'unhealthy' level for the first time in nearly three years, smoke and haze have continued to affect the lives of local residents and business activities.
On the evening of the 15th, Huang Xuncai posted on the social platform X, stating that the Singaporean government is investigating companies that may be involved in fires in Indonesian forests and peatlands. If necessary, legal actions will be taken under the Cross-Border Smoke Pollution Act. The government is also exploring the possibility of taking joint actions with other countries.
October 16th, Singapore. Tourists take photos in front of the Singapore Flyer. The country is still covered by smog caused by fires in Indonesia. Visual China
Smog has already impacted Singapore's transportation and tourism industries. Changi Airport Group and the Singapore Civil Aviation Authority confirmed to CNBC that due to reduced visibility, 16 flights at Pulau Indra Jaya had been diverted to other airports.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel announced that some activities that require prolonged exposure to the outdoors have been temporarily canceled. The hotel also provides masks and air purifiers to guests. Some outdoor restaurants and vendor centers have reported a decline in business.
Smog also cast a shadow over the International Network Week event being held in Singapore. Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Communications, Yang Lim Min, said that the event attracted over 15,000 participants from more than 100 countries, but smog clearly “was not the best way to welcome international guests”.
Yang Liming said that Singapore has maintained close contact with Indonesian officials and is willing to provide necessary assistance.
Meanwhile, the haze has also affected Malaysia. Amir Hamzah, the Deputy Finance Minister of Malaysia, stated on the 14th that Malaysia has proposed sending resources such as aerial firefighting aircraft to assist in extinguishing the fire. He emphasized that issues related to cross-border haze require coordinated efforts by Southeast Asian countries, and “this is a problem that needs to be addressed jointly by ASEAN countries.”
