In brief
The National Environment Agency announced that Singapore will end its haze mitigation measures after a fall in pollutant levels and better weather conditions. Mask distribution, haze shelters and workplace precautions will cease on Saturday, while public health schemes will end on November 12. The 24‑hour Pollutant Standards Index remained in the moderate range, signalling a lower transboundary haze risk.
On Thursday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) announced that Singapore would end its haze mitigation measures later this week, citing improving weather and a decline in regional haze activity that have lowered the risk of transboundary haze. The decision follows monitoring reports that show pollutant levels have dropped into safer ranges and that rain and wind are now dispersing haze particles more effectively across the region.
The agency said showers and variable winds are expected to continue suppressing haze through the weekend, helping keep pollutant concentrations within a moderate range for the public. These meteorological conditions aid in reducing fine particulate matter so that the environment is now deemed acceptable for everyday activities.
According to the NEA’s statement, mask distribution at community clubs, public transport hubs and other designated venues will cease at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday. The measure applies to all sites that have been part of the mask‑distribution network, allowing staff to move on to other community tasks after the end of the day.
At the same time, air‑conditioned haze shelters that have been operating in community clubs and selected residents' centres will also close at 6 p.m. local time on Saturday. These shelters have offered relief during the recent haze period but will revert to normal use once air quality improves.
The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) confirmed it will lift all haze‑related precautions for outdoor workers from the same Saturday. The lift removes requirements such as mandatory oxygen supply, frequent cooling breaks and mask use, acknowledging that the risk to outdoor workers has become minimal under current moderate air‑quality readings.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said it will deactivate the Public Health Preparedness Clinic Scheme and the Haze Subsidy Scheme on November 12. Those schemes, introduced to help residents manage haze‑related health impacts, will be dismantled once the air quality has reached a level that no longer necessitates them.
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Singapore’s 24‑hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) registered between 56 and 64, placing it in the moderate range. One‑hour PM2.5 readings that night were within the normal range, confirming improved air quality across the city‑state.
The NEA stresses that the decision is tied to the reduction in transboundary haze risk, which refers to haze that originates in neighboring countries and crosses into Singapore. Monitoring shows a significant drop in foreign haze particles, aided by improved weather that pushes clouds and rainfall southward.
The lifting of mitigation measures signals a return to normalcy for residents and workers. Citizens no longer need to rely on mandatory mask distribution, and outdoor workers can resume their usual routines without supplemental precautions. Though health schemes are paused, medical services remain on standby for any residual haze‑related discomfort.
Both the NEA and the Ministries will continue routine air‑quality sampling and will publish updates through the city‑state’s website and mobile app. Contingency plans remain ready should weather conditions deteriorate or a haze resurgence occur. The coordinated approach demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to protecting public health while allowing daily life to proceed with minimal disruption.