Lee confirms schools will stay open despite haze

Singapore schools will remain open as the country faces its longest stretch of unhealthy air quality since 2015, with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching the very unhealthy range. While daily operations continue, the Ministry of Education has indicated that national examinations may be rescheduled if conditions deteriorate further.

School Operations and Examination Contingencies

Education Minister Desmond Lee confirmed on Oct 16 that schools will remain open to minimize disruption for students preparing for national exams. Students without other care options can continue to attend secondary schools, student care centres, and special student care centres, which will keep their facilities open. Because these students are more mature, junior colleges and other post-secondary institutions like polytechnics and universities are expected to carry on with face-to-face lessons, though they may implement changes based on the specific situation.

For students sitting for the GCE O-Level and A-Level examinations, the Ministry of Education and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) are monitoring air quality closely. Students taking O- and A-Level exams will sit for their papers in enclosed, air-conditioned venues equipped with air purifiers. The O-level written examinations are scheduled to take place between Oct 19 and Nov 10, and A-level exams are currently in progress, with H2 Physics and Biology practicals set for Oct 19 and 22 respectively, prior to the commencement of the main written papers on Nov 2 with General Paper.

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Grace Fu on Hazardous PSI Levels and Inter-Monsoon Relief

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu warned on Oct 16 that PSI readings could exceed 300, entering the hazardous band. The country has already endured 12 consecutive days of unhealthy air quality readings, marking the longest stretch of poor air quality since 2015.

The government is maintaining its mask distribution strategy, with community clubs having started distributing N95 masks to vulnerable people on Oct 14, while mask vending machines were being progressively deployed to be available at 37 public transport hubs and social service offices by the end of Oct 16. We will undertake another round of mask distribution if the haze situation warrants it, Fu stated. She advised residents to use the 1-hour PM2.5 readings for immediate activity planning and the 24-hour PSI forecast for long-term scheduling.

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Legal Action Against Companies Linked to Fires

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the government is investigating which companies may be responsible for the fires in Indonesia, adding that he was exploring the idea of joint action with other countries. Singapore’s National Environment Agency will issue notices to companies and consider other measures under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act if there are indications they cause fires resulting in transboundary haze, with fines or charges remaining within the realm of consideration for next steps.

The government’s stance comes amid public criticism regarding the effectiveness of existing haze laws, including an open letter expressing disappointment with the government’s approach of continued monitoring and short-term relief measures. While some call for more aggressive diplomatic and economic measures, officials maintain that investigating transboundary offenses remains a complex process. Prime Minister Wong noted that Singapore has been distributing masks to vulnerable citizens and working with regional countries to deal with the smoke.

Lee confirms schools will stay open despite haze — Photo: The Guardian

Public Health and Regional Response

Across the region, the crisis has affected millions, with school closures, respiratory illness spiking, and air pollution indexes reaching unhealthy levels. The regional situation remains tense as Malaysia requested a meeting of the regional body ASEAN, alongside calls from Malaysian parliamentarians for a diplomatic protest note.

As the air quality fluctuates, the government continues to emphasize resilience. The government’s objective is to remain resilient and to have as much normality as we can, while we protect public health, said Minister Grace Fu, noting that current conditions are not expected to reach the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic.