Singapore smog from Indonesia fire 'could last weeks'

At 13:00 local time (05:00 GMT) Singapore's pollution standards index reached 371, breaking previous records and well above hazardous levels.

The haze is caused by illegal forest fires in Indonesia's Sumatra island.

The issue has sparked accusations between the two neighbours over who is responsible for the smog.

Environment officials from the two nations are holding an emergency meeting in Jakarta on Thursday.

Rico Hizon: Haze envelops Singapore

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister, wrote on his Facebook wall that he would demand "definitive action" from Jakarta.

"No country or corporation has the right to pollute the air at the expense of Singaporeans' health and wellbeing," he said.

However, Indonesian Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono said that Singapore was "behaving like a child".

"This is not what the Indonesian nation wants, it is because of nature," he said.

A couple take a picture of the smog-filled skyline in Singapore on 19 June 2013

Haze caused by forest fires in Indonesia is continuing to choke Singapore, shrouding the city-state.

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'Cloud seeding'

Regional press review

Straits Times, Singapore: "The truth, sadly, is that rogue firms thrive in permissive regimes where commercial interests overshadow environmental concerns. That situation can be changed only by an act of political will and faithful implementation of laws with sufficient bite."
The Star, Malaysia: "We need solutions. It is worth remembering that a ground-breaking Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution was signed here in Kuala Lumpur more than 10 years ago, in 2002... But Indonesia, despite stating many times that it will ratify the agreement, has yet to do so."
The Online Citizen, Singapore: "The haze situation has revived an old thorn in Singapore-Indonesia relations. The government's response so far has been strongly worded, and rightly so. But Singapore's response needs to go further. We believe that a unified national response is necessary as the haze is an issue that affects and concerns all Singaporeans."
Utusan Melayu, Malaysia: "Co-operation between neighbouring countries has to be more vigorous. It is meaningless to be able to control open burning in one country if it is widespread in another. The strengthening of relevant laws is also very necessary so we don't have to keep breathing in a hazy space in years to come."

Since the haze arrived, Singapore's buildings have been obscured by the polluted air and the smell of burnt wood has permeated the city-state.

A PSI reading above 200 indicates "very unhealthy" air, while a PSI score above 300 is "hazardous". Readings are being posted on the website of the National Environment Agency.

At a press conference, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the haze could "easily last for several weeks and quite possibly longer until the dry season ends in Sumatra".

Mr Lee asked Singaporeans to "stay indoors where possible and avoid heavy outdoor activities".

He also announced that the Singaporean government will hold daily press conferences on the haze situation.

Air traffic controllers in Singapore have been told to work with extra caution given the poor visibility, while McDonald's has temporarily cancelled its delivery service.

The Singaporean military has also reportedly suspended all outdoor training.

The poor air quality has prompted widespread buying of disposable face masks, leading shops to run out of stock.

Parts of Malaysia have also recorded "hazardous" pollution levels, with over 200 schools in the country's south ordered to shut.

Malaysia's Department of Environment has also banned open burning in some states.

Transboundary pollution

At the scene

Philippa FogartyBBC News, Singapore

The haze blew into Singapore late last week and pollution levels started to soar on Monday. Skyscrapers disappeared into a dense white gloom and a smell of burning enveloped the city.

On Thursday, as haze levels hit a new record peak, visibility was even further reduced. From our office downtown, we cannot make out the shoreline less than a kilometre away. At the port, big container ships emerge ghost-like out of the haze to berth.

People are complaining of dry throats, itchy eyes and a bad taste in their mouths. Laundry hung outside to dry smells like it was left next to a bonfire.

Joggers have disappeared from the waterfront routes and outdoor restaurants appear emptier. Children and the elderly are being advised to stay indoors until conditions improve - but it is not clear how soon that will be.

Indonesia's forestry ministry said it intended to use cloud seeding to try to induce rain on Sumatra, AFP news agency reported.

The fires are started to clear land for plantations and generate smoke, particularly in the dry season.

Indonesian officials have suggested that foreign palm oil investors, including Singaporean companies, may bear some responsibility for the fires.

However, several major Singapore-based palm oil companies have denied any involvement.

Singapore's prime minister said the city-state had provided satellite data to Indonesia to help identify who was responsible for the fires.

He added that if any Singaporean companies, or companies with a presence in Singapore played a part in the fires, they would be held responsible.

In 1997 and 1998, many countries in the region were affected by the South East Asian haze, which was caused by smog from Indonesian fires.

Road and air traffic was disrupted, and reports said the smog made around 20 million people ill.

The haze led to an agreement on transboundary haze pollution being approved by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2002.

However, Indonesia has yet to ratify the agreement.

Are you in Singapore? Have you been affected by the smog? Send us your comments using the form below.

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