Singapore hopes F1 weekend will be haze-free

S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia 26 Sep 09;

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said on Saturday the country's haze situation remains under control for now.

He is hoping this weekend will be haze-free as the Formula 1 Grand Prix kicks off around the city. The Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) remains in the "good" to "moderate" range.

Singapore has also extended assistance to Indonesia to help fight its forest fires.

"Weather forecast said there will be wind blowing away the haze and rain, but at the end of the day, we hope the Indonesians will play their part. We have already extended the message to the Indonesians.

"SM Jayakumar spoke to Pak Rachmat when he was in New York to pass on the message that this is a very serious matter and he has promised SM Jayakumar that he will take it up with Jakarta and do something about it," said Dr Yaacob.


- CNA/so