Despite parts of the city being covered in ash and smoke from Indonesian forest fires, Singapore will proceed with hosting the upcoming Formula One Grand Prix.
The Singapore National Environment Agency has declared air quality level as poor in the country for the second day, and predicted hazy conditions over the next few days. However, Formula One Group Executive Chairman and CEO Chase Carey has said that the Grand Prix event will still take place.
Meanwhile, about 296 schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, have been closed by the government on Thursday. In Selangor state, 939 schools will remain shut until Friday. KL and Kuching have been given the dubious title of the world’s most polluted cities, and over 2 million students have been affected by haze.
Indonesia has reported over 4,000 hotspots in the country. The illegal burning of land to make space for plantations have been continuously releasing smoke and ash. Despite the country’s notable efforts, the prolonged dry season has worsened the haze, which triggers air pollution, disruptions to travel and education, and health problems.
Source: The Jakarta Post
Image: The Strait Times