In brief
Singapore’s National Environment Agency announced that haze mitigation measures would be lifted due to better weather and a decline in haze. Mask distribution and indoor shelters will cease at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday, while ministries will end related protections for workers and health facilities. The decision follows moderate pollutant levels and forecasts of showers and wind.
Singapore announced it will lift its haze mitigation measures as improving weather conditions and a decline in regional haze activity lower the risk of transboundary haze, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday.
The NEA issued a statement saying mask distribution at community clubs, public transport hubs and other designated venues will end at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday. It added that air‑conditioned haze shelters at community clubs and selected residents’ centres will also close at the same time.
In parallel, the Ministry of Manpower will lift haze‑related precautions for outdoor workers from the same date. The Ministry of Health will deactivate the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme and Haze Subsidy Scheme beginning on Nov. 12.
"Singapore’s 24‑hour Pollutant Standards Index stood at 56‑64, in the moderate range, as of 7 p.m. local time on Thursday, while one‑hour PM2.5 readings were in the normal range," NEA noted. "Showers and variable winds are expected to suppress haze in Singapore and the surrounding region through the weekend."
The announcement comes after a week of relatively stable ash‑and‑smoke conditions, and officials said the easing of precautions will not be “unconditional.” Agencies are monitoring air quality closely and will advise the public to continue wearing masks if levels rise.
Petty clerks at the community hubs reported a notice on the digital board that the last distribution will take place Saturday morning.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said that the cessation of the Haze Subsidy Scheme will reduce the total subsidy expenditure by about 12 percent, while the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme will be replaced by a standard monitoring programme.
Public transport operators have stopped the free mask distribution at bus and MRT stations earlier this week; the service will remain for commuters who may use other routes during the remaining 48 hours before the shutdown.
Resident advisors at the selected residents’ centers noted that the indoor air‑conditioned shelters, which had been open to the public since the peak of the haze, will only be available for staff until the evening of Saturday.
The NEA’s statement highlighted that the week‑long closure of the shelters is consistent with the observed drop in aerosol concentration and the forecast of higher precipitation that will wash pollutants out of the air.
Citizens who have relied on the umbrella of the emergency haze provisions can now plan accordingly, but officials remind them that local air quality can still fluctuate; the online dashboard will continue to update hourly readings.
Officials also indicated that local industries are being advised to keep safety protocols in place as long as SMEs can confirm the air index remains within the moderate range.
Overall, the decision reflects an improvement in both meteorological fronts and transboundary haze activity, allowing Singapore to reuse normal services without the need for special haze mitigation procedures.
