Some take precautions, others not daunted as haze returns

Some opt to monitor situation first; sports groups plan alternatives if air quality worsens

- Lee Nian Tjoe , Goh Yan Han

Mr Carson Boey had to cut his cycling route short after he experienced bad weather and humidity due to the haze on Saturday.

Spotted taking a break in the shade with his bicycle, the 34-year-old project manager had cycled from his home in Punggol to Marina Bay Sands (MBS), and had plans to go to East Coast Park and Changi before looping back home.

"But the weather now is super bad and hot, and the haze makes it seem more humid,” he said, adding that he would cut short his cycle and return directly to Punggol.

People across the island experienced poor air quality on Saturday morning, when the air quality was recorded to have entered the unhealthy range.

The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) readings ranged between 63 and 112 at noon, with the highest recorded reading in the east. As at 7pm, the PSI in the eastern part of Singapore was 122.

Some people were spotted wearing masks in the Bedok area.

Mr Victor Chan, a 42-year-old project manager, and his threeyear-old son were donning masks as they wanted to take precautions amid the haze as well as the increase in Covid-19 cases.

PSI readings of 101 to 200 are in the unhealthy range, for which the National Environment Agency (NEA) advises the public to cut down on outdoor activities.

In the Marina Bay area on Saturday afternoon, a slight layer of haze atop buildings greeted visitors. The thick haze dulled all colour, even as people tried to take pictures against the iconic backdrop.

A pair of Libyan tourists, who did not want to be named, were taking pictures with the view of the bay behind them.

One of them said it was the second day of their week-long trip, and they were not aware of the haze situation, thinking it was a fog.

"We have not been to Singapore before and didn't expect it to be like this. We plan to come back another day when it is hopefully better," he said.