Grace Fu: S'pore ready to assist Indonesia with containing forest fires where possible

The current El Nino is producing "very dry weather" in the region, which makes forest fires a lot harder to put out.

Singapore is aware of Indonesia's efforts to do that, and "stand ready to assist" wherever they can, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said to media at Our Tampines Hub on Oct. 10.

Fu also said she has been in touch with Indonesia's Minister of Environment, Jumhur Hidayat, and has offered her support and appreciation for the effort that he has put in containing the forest fires.

"I'm also supporting any regional efforts to have discussions on regional cooperation on haze issues."

Fu also talked about the plans in place to protect the public health of Singaporeans amidst the haze situation.

Fu pointed out the worsened situation was due to increased hot spots in Sumatra and Kalimantan, and "unfavourable" wind conditions.

Although some rain is expected over the weekend, Fu said that haze levels could exceed 200, going into the "Very Unhealthy" range.

There are measures in place by the Haze Task Force should levels reach that range.

"Just to reiterate, we are concerned about the well-being of our people. We are on top of the situation. We have plans put in place, and we'll do whatever is needed to protect the public health of Singaporeans."