Singapore air quality remains unhealthy as haze persists

Air Quality Status

Air quality across all five regions of Singapore remained in the unhealthy range on Monday, October 12, with hourly PM2.5 levels elevated in all regions.

The 24-hour PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) was forecast to stay in the unhealthy range, with a 24-hour PSI between 118 and 155 reported at 7pm.

The highest hourly PM2.5 reading to date in 2026 was 171, recorded in the west on October 9.

Reasons for Persistent Haze

The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported widespread hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra, with moderate to dense transboundary smoke haze observed over Singapore.

While some showers are expected over Singapore and parts of the surrounding region, dry conditions are forecast to persist over parts of southern Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Government Response

The government announced that subsidised treatments for haze-related conditions would come into effect at Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) and polyclinics.

N95 masks will be distributed to more vulnerable individuals when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200 and enters the very unhealthy range.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is in the hazardous range, with the 24-hour PSI exceeding 300.