More hazy conditions observed in S'pore as Johor hotspots persist

The 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) rose to moderate levels in Singapore over the past weekend on Feb. 7 and 8.

According to the National Environment Agency (NEA)'s updates on Facebook, the PSI ranges were 52 to 58 on Feb. 7, and 55 to 63 on Feb. 8.

They were slightly higher than the previous week, which logged readings between 30 and 59, within the good to moderate level.

Mothership readers reported smelling something smoky in the air over the weekend, particularly in the Bukit Timah and Bukit Merah areas.

One added that the strong winds likely intensified the haze and smoke.

Similar accounts were shared on Reddit on Feb. 8, with some users saying that the smell felt choking and uncomfortable.

Dry conditions, persistent hotspots

Since late January, people across Singapore, particularly in the east, have been reporting haze and a burnt smell.

NEA explained on Jan. 24 that they were likely due to a detected hotspot and smoke plume in Johor.

A few hotspots have continued to persist.

On Feb. 7 and 8, the agency said that conditions are expected to get drier in the coming days, which could lead to increased hotspot activity.

February is typically the windiest and driest month of the year in Singapore, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS).

Dry conditions have been observed in parts of Peninsular Malaysia and the central parts of Sumatra, both where a few hotspots were detected, the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC) noted on its website on Feb. 9.

Johor fires

Johor has been stepping up operations to contain peat fires at three identified hotspots across the state, the New Straits Times reported on Feb. 4.

Johor's chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that the situation is under control, but the fires in all affected areas have not been completely put out.

Firefighting operations were being carried out 24 hours a day without interruption, he added.

On Feb. 8, two small explosions occurred during operations to extinguish a peatland fire in Muar, The Star reported.

Investigations are ongoing, but the incidents are believed to have been caused by the peat fire that is still active beneath the surface, the Muar police chief said.

Top images from June Lim/Facebook and NEA's Facebook