Singapore’s worst haze since 2015: What went right, and what are the lessons?

Singapore will end most measures introduced during its worst haze episode since 2015, as air quality has improved after about two months. The response included health advisories, free N95 masks for vulnerable residents, subsidised treatment and designated shelters; experts broadly praised the public health response, while questioning the pace of regulatory action and noting the difficulty of holding overseas companies accountable.

From Sep 4 to Nov 6, at least one region recorded unhealthy 24-hour PSI on 38 days. The index peaked at 230 in western Singapore on Oct 18, below 2015’s peak, but stayed above 100 for 422 hours, compared with 164 hours in 2015. Outdoor events were cancelled or postponed, but schools remained open and food delivery continued; most measures end on Nov 7, with subsidised treatment ending on Nov 12.