Over the weekend, a faint burning smell wafted through parts of Singapore, leading many residents to take to social media to voice their concerns. The culprit? Likely smoke haze originating from vegetation fires north of the island, specifically in Johor, Malaysia, as indicated by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
Current Air Quality Levels
On 24 January 2024, the NEA reported that the one-hour PM2.5 level reached 57 at 7 pm, placing it within the “elevated” range. Fortunately, by 1 pm the following day, air quality across Singapore had returned to normal, with PM2.5 readings in the eastern region again at a safe 11. In Singapore, air quality is deemed acceptable when PM2.5 levels are between zero and 55, whereas anything between 151 and 250 falls in the “high” range.
Public Reactions
As the burning smell persisted, residents voiced their discomfort on platforms like Reddit, with some stating that the odour irritated their noses and throats. Reports of this burnt smell escalated, with NEA monitoring the situation closely.
- 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) was recorded between 43 to 56, indicating good to moderate air quality levels.
- NEA assured the public that a burning smell does not necessarily correlate with a drastic deterioration in overall air quality.
- Prevailing winds from the north and northeast are expected to transport smoke haze toward Singapore.
What the NEA Says
Posting on their official channels, NEA confirmed ongoing monitoring of the situation and reiterated that despite the noticeable burnt smell, air quality levels remained generally stable. “Hotspots continue to be observed north of Singapore due to vegetation fires,” the agency noted.
While such situations may lead to occasional discomfort, the agency’s reassurances highlight the efficiency of the monitoring systems in place to protect public health.