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Defence Minister and Chairman of the Haze Inter-Ministerial Committee, Dr Ng Eng Hen, told the media today (23 Jun) that the government is prepared should haze readings soar far beyond the level considered hazardous.
His comments came as Malaysia declared a state of emergency in parts of Johor, where the Air Pollution Index surged past 750 today.
Dr Ng said, “If a situation arises like in Muar where the PSI equivalent is over 700, nearly 800, we may have to close certain sectors. We will obviously consider what we need to do.”
“And if we need to continue essential services, we have the ability to mobilise assets and personnel to make sure at least essential services continue. So I would say to Singaporeans not to worry.”
Meanwhile, NEA said Singapore may see clearer skies tomorrow as it expects the 24-hour “PSI reading” [Ed. PSI is a calculation, not a reading] to be in the moderate band of 51 to 100.
While the “PSI reading” may be lower, authorities noted that the PM2.5 concentration is still relatively high, with the 8pm reading at 70 to 102 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 concentrations measure smaller particles that can settle in the lungs. Readings beyond 25 are considered “unsafe”.
NEA said the improved air quality these couple of days is due to a change in wind direction over Singapore, from south-westerly to southerly since Saturday night. These prevailing wind conditions are expected to persist over the next few days.
Although the government was clearly unprepared for the haze that hit Singapore last week as the lack of masks in shops clearly shows, Dr Ng was not shy to use the word “prepare” repeatedly.
He said, “We were fortunate this weekend, the winds changed and went up north… But you know the winds can change back and come down south and I think we have to prepare for that. We don’t know how long the haze will be with us. We certainly hope it won’t, but let’s prepare for it so I think it’s wise for us to literally make hay while the sun shines.”
- http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/06/2...actions-if-psi-soars-beyond-hazardous-levels/
His comments came as Malaysia declared a state of emergency in parts of Johor, where the Air Pollution Index surged past 750 today.
Dr Ng said, “If a situation arises like in Muar where the PSI equivalent is over 700, nearly 800, we may have to close certain sectors. We will obviously consider what we need to do.”
“And if we need to continue essential services, we have the ability to mobilise assets and personnel to make sure at least essential services continue. So I would say to Singaporeans not to worry.”
Meanwhile, NEA said Singapore may see clearer skies tomorrow as it expects the 24-hour “PSI reading” [Ed. PSI is a calculation, not a reading] to be in the moderate band of 51 to 100.
While the “PSI reading” may be lower, authorities noted that the PM2.5 concentration is still relatively high, with the 8pm reading at 70 to 102 micrograms per cubic metre. PM2.5 concentrations measure smaller particles that can settle in the lungs. Readings beyond 25 are considered “unsafe”.
NEA said the improved air quality these couple of days is due to a change in wind direction over Singapore, from south-westerly to southerly since Saturday night. These prevailing wind conditions are expected to persist over the next few days.
Although the government was clearly unprepared for the haze that hit Singapore last week as the lack of masks in shops clearly shows, Dr Ng was not shy to use the word “prepare” repeatedly.
He said, “We were fortunate this weekend, the winds changed and went up north… But you know the winds can change back and come down south and I think we have to prepare for that. We don’t know how long the haze will be with us. We certainly hope it won’t, but let’s prepare for it so I think it’s wise for us to literally make hay while the sun shines.”
- http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/06/2...actions-if-psi-soars-beyond-hazardous-levels/
