Haze update: 4pm PSI reading fell to 85, the lowest since Tuesday morning 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 4:29 PM

Blue skies are seen for the first time in days in Singapore at 3.20pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 4pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013, fell to 85 from 122 an hour earlier. This is now the lowest PSI reading since Tuesday morning's 9am reading of 84. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

By Natalie Kuan

The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 4pm on Saturday fell to 85 from 122 an hour earlier. This is now the lowest PSI reading since Tuesday morning's 9am reading of 84.

The 24 hour average PSI at 4pm also dipped to a 167-187 range from 170-193.

Air in the 51-100 reading is considered "moderate", while the 101 to 200 PSI range is considered "unhealthy". Anything above 300 is hazardous, while readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy.

While many are out enjoying the sunshine and improved air quality, others, including MPs, still felt that it is too early to be optimistic just yet.

"The wind and weather are kind at the moment and the haze appears to be better. But this is likely to be temporary, so we are continuing our efforts to make sure the elderly, low-income and vulnerable are looked after," MP for Pasir Ris Punggol GRC, Dr Janil Puthucheary.

"Much clearer skies today both in town and in Queenstown!" said Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Chia Shi-Lu. "Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and haze-free weekend... do take care and look out for those around you."

Haze update: 6pm PSI reading remains in "moderate" range at 73 

Blue skies are seen around Bishan Park at 2.30pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 6pm on Saturday remains at 73, the lowest reading since last Sunday morning. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

By Natalie Kuan

The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 6pm on Saturday remains at 73, the lowest reading since last Sunday morning.

The 24 hour average PSI at 6pm also dipped to a 162-184 range from 165-185.

Air in the 51-100 reading is considered "moderate", while the 101 to 200 PSI range is considered "unhealthy". Anything above 300 is hazardous, while readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy.

However it may still be too soon to put away the face masks.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said during a technical briefing on Saturday evening that they expect the 24-hour PSI for Sunday to remain in the "Very Unhealthy" band of 201-300. Healthy people are advised to avoid prolonged outdoor physical exertion, and to wear an N95 mask when outdoors. Elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic respiratory or heart ailments should avoid all outdoor activity and wear a N95 mask when outside.

In addition, while the PSI is in the "moderate" range, readings of PM2.5, particles which are 2.5 microns or smaller, remain high at 211 - 249. According to the NEA, once PM2.5 readings cross 40, the public should limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. When readings are more than 150, everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors.

Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles easily bypass the nasal system and can penetrate deep into the lungs, making them more toxic. PM2.5 readings are not accounted for in the PSI, but measured separately.

Haze update: 5pm PSI reading falls to 73, the lowest reading since last Sunday 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 5:32 PM

People take advantage of the blue skies at Gardens by the Bay at 4.50pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 5pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013, fell to 73 from 85 an hour earlier. This is now the lowest PSI reading since last Sunday's 11am reading of 64. -- ST PHOTO: WALTER SIM

By Natalie Kuan And Walter Sim

The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 5pm on Saturday fell to 73 from 85 an hour earlier. This is now the lowest PSI reading since last Sunday's 11am reading of 64.

The 24 hour average PSI at 5pm also dipped to a 165-185 range from 167-187.

Air in the 51-100 reading is considered "moderate", while the 101 to 200 PSI range is considered "unhealthy". Anything above 300 is hazardous, while readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy.

With the first signs of sunshine in these past few days, people are emerging to take advantage of the blue skies while they still last. "We only decided to come out a couple of hours ago," said Ericko Liong, 22, a tourist from Jakarta, who was out at Gardens by the Bay. "If the haze situation was as bad as yesterday we wouldn't be here but would be staying indoors."

Mr Ashok Saxena, 49, a software engineer visiting from New Delhi,is happy that there is finally some good weather. "It was very frustrating the last couple of days having spent so much money coming here and not being able to do anything." He returns to India tomorrow. "We're trying to make the most of the remaining time here and it's good that the skies are clearing up.

Haze update: 7pm reading rises slightly to 77, remains in "moderate" range 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 7:33 PM

Children take to the playground in Pasir Ris Park at 6.15pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 7pm on Saturday rose slightly to 77, up from 73 an hour earlier. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

By Natalie Kuan

The three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) at 7pm on Saturday rose slightly to 77, up from 73 an hour earlier.

The 24 hour average PSI at 7pm also dipped to a 161-182 range from 165-185.

Air in the 51-100 reading is considered "moderate", while the 101 to 200 PSI range is considered "unhealthy". Anything above 300 is hazardous, while readings between 201 and 300 are very unhealthy.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said they expect PSI readings to remain in the "very unhealthy" range of 201-300 for the next 24 hours. The public, especially the elderly, pregnant women and children, and those with respiratory or heart problems, are advised to refrain from prolonged outdoor activity and to wear an N95 mask while outside.

For the past few days, record-high PSI readings have sent N95 face masks flying off the shelves.

Besides masks, those looking for succor from the haze turned to their neighbourhood herbal shop. At the Toa Payoh Central branch of Hock Hua Tonic, there seemed to be an endless crowd around the shop's herbal drinks stand.

Store manager Don Goh, 44, said sales of prepared tonic drinks had shot up 50 per cent in the last week, with certain flavours like chrysanthemum tea moving 500 bottles in a day. The increase in dry herbs was even greater, he added, with a 100 per cent increase in sales.

"The only time sales is better is during Chinese New Year," he said.

Haze update: PSI reading creeps back up to 82 at 8pm 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 8:25 PM

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a photo of him and a family on his Facebook page saying he took a walk at Labrador Park earlier. Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is creeping back up after a slight reprieve from Friday afternoon's peak of 401, the worst reading in the country's history. -- PHOTO: FACEBOOK OF PRIME MINISTER LEE HSIEN LOONG

Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is creeping back up after a slight reprieve from Friday afternoon's peak of 401, the worst reading in the country's history.

An 8pm update on Saturday saw the PSI rising back up to 83 from a low of 73 at 5pm.

Air becomes "hazardous" when the index passes 300, a reading between 101 and 200 is "unhealthy". The previous worst reading here was 226, in 1997.

People can resume normal outdoor activities if the reading dips below 100.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a photo of him and a family on his Facebook page saying he took a walk at Labrador Park earlier.

"Met families out enjoying the blue skies," said PM Lee. "Hope the clear air lasts, but let's be prepared for the haze to come back."

Haze update: PSI reading inches up to 91, free masks for the poor from Sunday 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 11:28 PM

The East Coast Park at 6.14pm on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) continued to inch up after falling in the late afternoon, with the three-hour PSI at 91 at 11pm. -- ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

By Lim Yan Liang

Singapore's Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) continued to inch up after falling in the late afternoon, with the three-hour PSI at 91.

The 11pm update saw the PSI continuing to rise slightly, after a peak reading of 326 at 10am and before the PSI fell to its lowest today at the 5pm update of 73.

Air quality improved today after Friday afternoon's all-time high of 401, surpassing the previous worst reading here in 1997 of 226,

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the People's Association (PA) together announced on Saturday evening that the distribution of free N95 masks to poorer household will begin on Sunday morning.

Households with a per-capita income of $900 or less are each eligible to receive four free N95 masks, and may visit the Community Clubs/Centres (CCs) from 9am Sunday to collect them.

They will be verified by their Blue Community Health Assist Card, or through a self-declaration of income. Those with pre-existing diseases, chronic medical conditions, heart and respiratory conditions and have difficulty getting masks may also approach the CCs for help.

The joint statement added that Singapore Armed Forces soldiers will be transporting the masks to community centres and community clubs islandwide, after which the PA's 33,000 grassroots leaders will assist in distributing them.

Air becomes "hazardous" when the index passes 300, a reading between 101 and 200 is "unhealthy". People can resume normal outdoor activities if the reading dips below 100.

Haze update: MPs meet residents to allay concerns over hazeThey give out masks to needy; some open air-conditioned centres overnight 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 8:28 AM

Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing showing a resident in Holland Close how to use the N95 mask. -- PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

By Toh Yong Chuan

Cabinet ministers and MPs are fanning out across Singapore over the weekend in a coordinated effort to distribute face masks to the needy and address residents' concerns on the haze.

Some MPs have also extended the opening hours of common areas, like community centres, in their estates for those who wish to spend the night in air-conditioned comfort.

Among the political leaders on the ground yesterday was Acting Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing, who visited several homes at a block of rental flats in Holland Close, part of the Tanjong Pagar GRC, of which he is an MP.

Some 120 grassroots leaders and volunteers also visited 150 low-income families there to hand out the masks.

They are among 4,000 grassroots leaders that have volunteered for the islandwide exercise.

Today, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Foreign and Law Minister K. Shanmugam and other ministers will be distributing masks to residents in their respective constituencies.

The pool of N95 maskscomes from the one million stockpile announced on Friday for 200,000 of the poorest households and vulnerable Singaporeans.

Mr Chan told The Sunday Times that the effort was "not just a mask distribution exercise". It also allowed the ministers and grassroots leaders to have direct contact with residents to "provide information to them, answer their questions and address their concerns".

This community outreach will be vital should the haze stretch on, he added.

On the sidelines of a Mendaki event, Minister for Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim said the intent was to keep Singaporeans informed as there was "too much misinformation circulating around about the haze".

For instance, he said, N95 masks should be used only outdoors, and are not needed indoors or in a car.

From today, the one million masks earmarked for the 200,000 low-income households are expected to be delivered by the Singapore Armed Forces to all constituencies, including opposition-held ones. Each constituency will get about 10,000 masks.

Those on public assistance or with per capita income of $900 and below will get the free masks, with each family getting four masks. They can collect them from the 107 community centres from today.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong also said that more than two million masks were distributed to pharmacies yesterday.

He added that the manpower and trade and industry ministries are identifying companies which have more outdoor workers, and will ensure that these workers get masks so they can continue their work.

Public assistance recipient Hoong Mary was among those who received a free mask yesterday.

The 73-year-old said: "The burning smell spoils my appetite, so I am glad the Government is doing something."

Meanwhile, MPs like Ms Penny Low (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC), Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten) and Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC) are opening air-conditioned areas in community clubs and residents' committee centres at void decks.

This is to allow residents without air-conditioners in their homes to stay in these facilities overnight or during the day.

This will lessen residents' hardship and inconvenience, Mr Lim said, adding: "We need to look after them."

tohyc@sph.com.sgAdditional reporting by Jermyn Chow and Lim Yan Liang

Haze update: NEA spells out how PSI is compiledAgency also explains the rationale for measuring haze the way it does 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 8:28 AM

Some members of the public expressed concerns when the posted PSI values - averaged over the past three or 24 hours - turned out different from what they observed. The PSI is derived from measurements at 11 ambient air monitoring stations and five key pollutants are measured separately. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

On a hot day, looking at a thermometer would tell you precisely what the temperature is where you are.

Many seem to think the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), Singapore's main indicator of air quality, works the same way. They expect it to correlate to the haze they see or smell around them at that moment.

This has given rise to some disquiet about the PSI readings in recent days, as the haze conditions worsened. Some members of the public expressed concerns when the posted PSI values - averaged over the past three or 24 hours - turned out different from what they observed.

Yesterday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) spelt out just how it compiles the PSI and why it does it that way.

It explained that it uses a specific way of collecting air samples over time and measuring the amount of micro-particles in them to determine their quality.

It also requires a wider base of samples, taken from various parts of the island to get a better picture of how polluted the air is across the country.

The NEA said that its methods and equipment to measure pollutants are based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency standards.

The PSI is derived from measurements at 11 ambient air monitoring stations located at places such as Temasek Polytechnic and Nanyang Technological University.

Five key pollutants are measured separately. But the PSI is not a composite index. Instead, it reflects the pollutant of the highest concentration.

But just how does the NEA measure levels of tiny particles in the air like PM2.5 and PM10 and translate them into a PSI reading?

An air sample is drawn into a chamber where particulate matter sticks to a filter;

Then, a beta ray (a form of radiation) is passed through the filter;

The particles on the filter would weaken the ray's intensity, and how dim it gets tells you how much particulate matter there is;

These readings are then averaged over three or 24 hours before they are fed into a standard set of indices, based on the health impacts of the pollutant at different observed levels. This translates the reading into a PSI.

NEA said yesterday that health advisories will continue to be based on the 24-hour PSI and PM2.5 values as those are what there is most scientific evidence for.

It explained that the 24-hour PSI is also the best indicator for the health impact of prolonged exposure to the haze than shorter-term measures, which can fluctuate quite a bit over the course of the day. This was evident yesterday, for example, when Singapore enjoyed blue skies in the afternoon when the haze seemed to clear temporarily.

Haze update: Scientists visit Orchard Road to collect pollutant data 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 8:28 AM

Research scientists Gideon Aschwanden (left) and Erik Velasco found 15 times as many pollutants in the air in Orchard Road on Friday compared to just a fortnight ago. The Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology duo have been taking readings along the shopping stretch for nearly two months. -- ST PHOTO: LIM YAN LIANG

By Lim Yan Liang

Shoppers along Orchard Road yesterday afternoon may have encountered an odd sight: two "ghost-busters" equipped with handheld and backpack scanners.

Actually research scientists, Mexican Erik Velasco and Swiss Gideon Aschwanden, from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology, have collected pollutant data along Orchard Road every weekday for nearly two months for an ongoing project. They went out to log information on a Saturday for the first time yesterday as they felt the haze would offer too useful a data set to pass up.

"The haze has provided us with some very interesting information," said Dr Velasco, 39, with what looked like a futuristic iron in each hand.

One machine measures the number of dust particles in the air, while the other breaks them down by size: from PM10, the particles measured by PSI readings all the way down to tiny PM1 particles that are especially dangerous.

For example, Dr Velasco said their readings found that at the peak of the haze on Friday evening, there were some 15 times as many pollutants in the air compared to just a fortnight ago.

Cars and industry, which have always been major contributors of pollutants, are now contributing less than 10 per cent to pollution.

"At least for now, wildfires are the main contributor of pollution," he said.

They said Singaporeans who believe shopping centres would provide some respite would be wrong - particle levels in malls are seldom much lower than outdoors because of human traffic, restaurants, and air filters that are cleaned only occasionally.

Both researchers stressed their data was preliminary and variables had to be factored in, but they have collected data in Orchard Road over 20 times.

Asked for a health tip before parting ways - the scientists were testing different forms of public transport - they stressed the importance of wearing N95 masks correctly.

"Remember, air takes the path of least resistance," smiled Dr Aschwanden, 29, whose 8kg backpack had sensors tracking everything from GPS and temperature to hydrocarbons, humidity and pressure.

Haze update: Don't worry about supply of masks, says Khaw 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 12:04 PM

Customers queue up at Unity Phamarcy at Plaza Singapura's basement for the new batch of N95 masks. Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan has assured Singaporeans that they do not have to worry about the supply of masks. -- ST FILE PHOTO: EDWARD TEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

By Lim Yi Han

Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan has assured Singaporeans that they do not have to worry about the supply of masks."Haze is very different from Sars. Sars was a very frightening period...there was a global shortage of masks. Haze only affects, in this case, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore. So any temporary shortage is only within these countries," he said on Sunday as he distributed free masks to needy residents in his Sembawang constituency."The Ministry of Health has started to reorder and too up the stockpile so Singaporeans do not have to worry about not getting supply," he added.More than 280 households in two rental flats at Sembawang received free N95 masks on Sunday. Mr Khaw also visited a coffeeshop at Woodlands 11, an industrial building, and the Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang mosque to give out masks. Over 1,000 N95 masks were given.

Haze update: Penalty for employers who do not follow haze health advisory 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 12:06 PM

Workers Tao Jin, 24 (left) and Zhang Da Pei, 42 (right) at the Lake Vista construction site in Jurong wearing face masks. Employers who do not follow the Manpower Ministry's health advisory for the haze could be penalised, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said on Sunday. -- ST PHOTO: RAJ NADARAJAN

By Feng Zengkun

Employers who do not follow the Manpower Ministry's health advisory for the haze could be penalised, Acting Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin said on Sunday.

He said in general, if employers do not protect their workers, they will be investigated under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. "If the workers are working outdoors and they are expected to work with masks, we expect that to be adhered to. If there are circumstances where they are not, then that's something we have to follow up on with the companies," he said.He added that the ministry is working with the Health Ministry to distribute protective face masks to companies that need them.Asked whether the Ministry would consider halting work for specific groups such as outdoor construction workers when the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index crossed a threshold, he reiterated that the government is basing its health advice on the 24-hour forecast.

"I know that when we see the PSI spike and the haze is particularly thick we tend to get panicky, and that's perfectly understandable... but it's the cumulative exposure over the course of a day that has the real impact," he said.

The 3-hour PSI reading as at 11am on Sunday was 90, which puts it in the moderate range.

Shanmugam to seek clarification on "contradictory signals" about Singapore-linked companies on haze 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 12:57 PM

Foreign and Law Minister K Shanmugam distributes masks at Nee Soon. K. Shanmugam said on Sunday that he will ask for a clarification on the “contradictory signals” from the Indonesian government regarding the list of Singapore-linked companies which apparently use fire to clear land.-- ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

By Jalelah Abu Bakar

Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam said on Sunday that he will ask for a clarification on the “contradictory signals” from the Indonesian government regarding the list of Singapore-linked companies which apparently use fire to clear land.

"The Minister had told Dr Balakrishnan that there are no companies with any Singapore linkage. This was at an official meeting, and then publicly he has said something else, so we need to clarify. We need clear clarification, and a clear statement from Indonesia, together with evidence," he said, referring to Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono and Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.He was speaking to reporters before distributing masks to residents living in studio flats in his Chong Pang ward.

The land-clearing method is seen as a key cause of the haze crisis now engulfing Singapore and Malaysia.

Mr Shanmugam, who is also Law Minister, said that the haze would cause an “image impact,” where people would associate Singapore with haze during this period. An example he gave of impact is three senior American statesmen in their 80s who cancelled a conference to be held here on Tuesday due to the haze.

Haze update: No danger of mask shortage in Singapore: PM Lee 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 1:20 PM

A sign on the counter says "All kinds of face masks are sold out" at a pharmacy in Singapore on June 20, 2013. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sought to allay concerns of a shortage of face masks on Sunday, telling residents in his Ang Mo Kio constituency that there is enough stock for all Singaporeans. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

By Rachel Chang

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sought to allay concerns of a shortage of face masks on Sunday, telling residents in his Ang Mo Kio constituency that there is enough stock for all Singaporeans.

His call for calm came as the Pollutant Standards Index hovered in the "moderate" range, after breaching hazardous levels last week.

Two days after many Singaporeans affected by the ongoing haze were unable to buy N95 masks at major pharmacies' as stocks had temporarily run out, PM Lee took the opportunity to give the reassurance that there is no danger of a mask shortage here.

The Ministry of Health's supply of nine million masks is currently being distributed around Singapore to the needy and elderly by grassroots leaders and full-time national servicemen.

Speaking to residents at a dialogue, PM Lee also said that Singaporeans should take care of themselves but also "carry on with our lives."

He said that the Government has expressed its deep concern about the haze to the Indonesian authorities, but also noted the obstacles they face in solving the problem. For one, he said, the parts of forest that are burning are spread out over a land area much larger than all of Singapore.

People's Association chief executive director Ang Hak Seng, speaking to reporters at the same event, said that 27,000 masks had been given out by grassroots leaders in Ang Mo Kio on Sunday.

Haze update: Better air expected today than originally forecast 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 2:09 PM

The skies started to clear toward late afternoon, as Gardens by the Bay saw more tourists on Saturday afternoon. The National Environment Agency said on Sunday at noon that the air quality for the rest of the day is expected to be better than originally forecast. -- ST PHOTO: EDWARD TEO FOR THE STRAITS TIMES

By Feng Zengkun

The National Environment Agency said on Sunday at noon that the air quality for the rest of the day is expected to be better than originally forecast.

It said that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index for the rest of the day is expected to be in the "unhealthy" band, rather than the original "very unhealthy" forecast.

This is due to a change in direction of the low-level winds in Singapore. It also noted that the air quality had improved since Saturday night.

Under the revised health advisory for the day, pregnant women, children and the elderly should minimise outdoor activity that lasts for hours. People with chronic diseases esepcially heart or lung disease should avoid all outdoor activity or wear a protective N95 mask if this is unavoidable.

As of noon on Sunday, the 24-hr PSI is in the 88-98 range across Singapore, and the 24-hr PM2.5 is 81-102 microgrammes per cubic metre across the island.

Haze update: Queues for N95 masks continue 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 2:52 PM

Customers queue up at Unity Phamarcy at Plaza Singapura's basement for the new batch of N95 masks on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Queues for N95 masks were still spotted outside pharmacies even as Singaporeans breathe easier in lighter haze conditions on Sunday. -- ST FILE PHOTO:  EDWARD TEO

By Kash Cheong

Queues for N95 masks were still spotted outside pharmacies even as Singaporeans breathe easier in lighter haze conditions on Sunday.

At NTUC Unity in the Tampines One mall, a queue of about 30 had formed by 1pm as customers jostled for stocks that had just been replenished in the morning.

"I had been trying to buy masks since last Thursday when the PSI crossed 300," housewife Madam Janet Soh, 49, said. "We only have one at home for my child and I'm buying for my elderly folk," she said, adding that she had left her name on the waiting list of several pharmacies.

About 15 people were spotted queuing for N95 masks at Watsons in Tampines Mall.

The Guardian Pharmacy branch near Toa Payoh HDB Hub still had stocks of N95 masks when The Straits Times visited at 11am. There was hardly a queue then.

A counter staff member at Unity Plaza Singapura said that stocks of N95 had ran out and she was not sure when they would be replenished. Long queues at the outlet were spotted yesterday. Guardian Pharmacy at Tampines Mall also said that they ran out of N95 masks.

Haze update: Indonesia names eight companies investigated for burning 

Published on Jun 22, 2013 9:47 PM

Smoke billows from a forest fire in Pekanbaru, Riau province on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya has identified eight of the companies that are being investigated for burning in Riau and Jambi that led to the haze. -- PHOTO: AP

By Zakir Hussain, Indonesia Bureau Chief

JAKARTA - Indonesian Environment Minister Balthasar Kambuaya has identified eight of the companies that are being investigated for burning in Riau and Jambi that led to the haze.

The eight companies are:

1. PT Langgam Inti Hibrindo

2. PT Bhumireksa Nusa Sejati

3. PT Tunggal Mitra Plantation

4. PT Udaya Loh Dinawi

5. PT Adei Plantation

6. PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa

7. PT Multi Gambut Industri

8. PT Mustika Agro Lestari

As is the custom in Indonesia with naming those under investigation, he only gave their initials for the media to infer from.

Speaking at a press conference in Pekanbaru on Saturday, Dr Balthasar said all the eight companies are owned by Malaysian investors, and fires were discovered on their concessions.

"If there is enough evidence, we will take them to court," he added. "Our investigators are still on the ground for further investigation."

Dr Balthasar said at least 14 companies are being investigated, and others may be named in the coming days.

Haze update: Huge spike in air quality index in Muar 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 12:00 PM

In this Saturday, June 22, 2013 photo, motorists make their way through a town covered with a thick haze in Muar, northwestern Johor, Malaysia. The air pollutant index (API) in Muar has spiked to 746 as of 7am, more than twice the standard hazardous levels, according to the Department of Environment website on Sunday. --  FILE PHOTO: AP

JOHOR BARU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The air pollutant index (API) in Muar has spiked to 746 as of 7am, more than twice the standard hazardous levels, according to the Department of Environment website on Sunday.

Johor Health Department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yakub said that health officials including ambulances were on standby in case of any emergency due to the haze.

"We have no absentees in Muar today and we are ready for any incident including accidents which may occur due to poor visibility on the roads.

"In the meantime, I advise all residents to stay indoors, no excuses," he said when contacted on Sunday.

He added that heading outdoors even with face masks on was not advisable.

According to the Department of Environment, any API reading above 301 is considered hazardous.

The last reading as of 4pm on Saturday showed that Muar had an API of 453.

All other areas in Johor also recorded API readings above the unhealthy level.

This includes Kota Tinggi at 137, Pasir Gudang at 127 and Larkin Lama at 117.

Haze update: State of emergency declared in Muar 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 12:41 PM

In this Saturday, June 22, 2013 photo, a motorist wears a face mask as he rides through a town shrouded with thick haze in Muar, northwestern Johor, Malaysia. Malaysia has declared a state of emergency for the Johor town of Muar, after the air pollutant index (API) spiked to 746 on Sunday morning. -- PHOTO: AP

By Teo Cheng Wee, Regional Correspondent In Kuala Lumpur

 

Malaysia has declared a state of emergency for the Johor town of Muar, after the air pollutant index (API) spiked to 746 on Sunday morning.

In a statement, Natural Resources and Environment Minister G. Palanivel said Prime Minister Najib Razak has agreed to declare emergency status in Muar and the nearby town of Ledang with immediate effect.

The director-general of the Department of Environment Halimah Hassan has asked the National Security Council (NSC) to declare the state of emergency there, he said.

The NSC will issue instruction for residents to stay indoors and direct schools in several states to remain closed. Datuk Seri Palanivel said the NSC should also look at cloud-seeding operations immediately.

Haze conditions elsewhere also deteriorated on Sunday, with two areas in Malacca also reaching hazardous API levels of above 300. The Unesco World Heritage-listed Malacca town registered an API reading of 364.

The highest API reading Malaysia recorded was 860, in Sarawak in 1997.

Mr Palanivel is set to meet with his Indonesian counterpart on Wednesday, to discuss how to handle the haze.

chengwee@sph.com.sg

Obama to propose 'national plan' on climate change 

Published on Jun 23, 2013 9:13 AM

US President Barack Obama speaks in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington on June 21, 2013. US President Barack Obama will give a major speech on climate change on Tuesday in which he will propose a "national plan" to curb carbon pollution despite resistance from Congress. -- PHOTO: AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama will give a major speech on climate change on Tuesday in which he will propose a "national plan" to curb carbon pollution despite resistance from Congress.

Mr Obama has made taking action on climate change a key goal of his second term but will have to rely on the powers of the presidency as the Republican-led House of Representatives would likely block any fresh legislation.

"I'll lay out my vision for where I believe we need to go - a national plan to reduce carbon pollution, prepare our country for the impacts of climate change, and lead global efforts to fight it," Mr Obama said Saturday.

"We'll need scientists to design new fuels, and farmers to grow them. We'll need engineers to devise new sources of energy, and businesses to make and sell them. We'll need workers to build the foundation for a clean energy economy."

"And we'll need all of us, as citizens, to do our part to preserve God's creation for future generations - our forests and waterways, our croplands and snowcapped peaks," Mr Obama added, in a video statement posted on Twitter.

Past attempts at passing climate change legislation have been stymied in Congress, meaning Mr Obama will likely take executive action, as he did last year by hiking fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks.

In Tuesday's speech at Georgetown University, Mr Obama was expected to announce tighter regulations on new and existing power plants - particularly those fired by coal - as well as tougher energy standards for consumer appliances.

The administration was also expected to make more federal land available for solar and wind projects in a further boost to renewable energy, according to the Politico news website.

It was unclear whether Mr Obama would speak about the Keystone XL pipeline, a massive project to bring oil from Canada's tar sands to the US Gulf Coast that has been slammed by environmentalists and awaits the president's approval.

US government scientists said on Thursday that global temperatures last month tied with 1998 and 2005 as the third warmest for the month of May since record-keeping began in 1880.

Mr Obama's presidency has also witnessed a string of massive storms and other severe weather, including severe drought, record wildfires in the West and waves of tornadoes across the South.

A plan backed by Mr Obama to start a "cap-and-trade" system with the first nationwide restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions failed in 2010 in the Senate, even with the president's Democratic Party in control.

Mr Obama's Republican rivals have slammed such efforts as wasteful government overreach, warning that tougher regulations would drive up the cost of energy and further hobble an already weak economy.

The European Union has cap-and-trade systems in place and some experts attribute the lack of US legislation for the slow pace of global talks on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, with China insisting on clearer commitments.

Earlier this month, Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed joint action on climate change - specifically the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons or "super greenhouse gases" - after their first-ever summit in California.

And last week, in a speech in Berlin, Mr Obama said the United States "will do more" to tackle the threat of climate change and that the world must act before it is too late.

"Peace with justice means refusing to condemn our children to a harsher, less hospitable planet," he said on a blistering hot day at Brandenburg Gate.

He said Germany, which is fast building up solar, wind and other renewable energies, and Europe, had led in efforts to battle a warming planet, melting ice caps and rising seas.

He said the United States had also doubled renewable energies, boosted fuel efficiency in cars and brought down carbon emissions, but added: "We know we have to do more and we will do more."