Haze hits Singapore, air quality ‘unhealthy’

Singapore, Aug 26 (IANS) Hazy skies were reported across Singapore on Friday, bringing the city-state's air quality to an "unhealthy" level, authorities said.

The haze brought poor visibility and a burning smell to the island nation, with western and southern areas particularly affected, EFE news reported.

The haze is caused by smoke from slash-and-burn farming practices in Indonesia being blown across the Straits of Malacca by westerly winds, with satellite images showing hotspots over Sumatra, Indonesia.

The National Environment Agency (NEA), which has started a daily haze advisory, said the haze is forecast to be in the high end of the moderate range for the next 12 hours.

"Given the air quality forecast for the next 12 hours, everyone can continue with normal activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention," the NEA said in statement.