Haze from Sumatra Hits Singapore

Batam (Antara Bali) - Haze from Sumatra's forest and plantation fires has affected Singapore, Indonesia's neighboring country.

Channel NewsAsia reported that Singapore's air quality remained in the unhealthy range on Tuesday morning as the island continued to be enveloped in haze.

The PSI reading hit 123 at 11am. The PSI has been climbing steadily since 7am where the PSI reading was at 106.

On Monday night, the PSI reading reached 155 at 10pm, the highest level since September 1997 when the index reached an all-time high of 226.

Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) advises everyone, in particular children, the elderly and those with heart or lung diseases, should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor activities.

Singapore also urged Indonesia on Monday,to take measures to tackle its forest fires as smoke blown from Sumatra choked the city-state as well as parts of Malaysia.

Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said his ministry has been in touch with the Indonesian authorities to register Singapore's concern and to renew its offer of assistance.

Meanwhile Strait Times online reported the haze that shrouded Singapore on Monday was the worst in 16 years, and is expected to last for most of this week. (*/DWA)