More hotspots in Indonesia last year

Channel NewsAsia 21 Jan 15;

SINGAPORE: The number of hotspots detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan was higher in 2014 than in 2013, but favourable wind conditions prevented poorer air quality in Singapore, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday (Jan 20).

In a written response to a Parliamentary question from MP Christopher de Souza about Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings and the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act, Dr Balakrishnan said Singapore continues to be affected by transboundary haze from the region.

Hotspots in 2014 grew to 28,580 from 18,129 in 2013. “This is why the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources enacted the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act on Sep 25, 2014. The Act is not a silver bullet and we do not underestimate the challenges of implementing it,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“Nonetheless, the enactment of this legislation has focused domestic and international attention on the haze problem, and placed errant companies on notice that their irresponsible actions will attract prosecution.”

Singapore’s air quality was in the “Good” and “Moderate” range for 353 days in 2014, up from 350 days in 2013. The calculations were made using a new PSI incorporating the PM2.5 readings which the ministry introduced in April last year, he added.

- CNA/ct