The burning smell in the air will be getting better over the next couple of weeks, National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement, adding that it was caused by smoke plumes from Johor, Malaysia.
Due to the dry phase of the north-east monsoon, Southern Johor has been experiencing hot and dry weather. This resulted in a number of hotspots with smoke plumes in the area, causing “intermittent burning smell” in many parts of Singapore over the past few weeks.
NEA said that inter-monsoon conditions are expected in early April, bringing an increase in rain showers. This should help to reduce the occurrence of the burning smell, the statement on Thursday, March 28, added.
The Pollution Standards Index (PSI) across Singapore has remained in the moderate range, and public can continue with their normal activities. On the other hand, hourly readings for PM2.5 are in Band I (Normal) range. PM2.5 are tiny particulate matter up to 2.5 micrometres or microns in size and are pollutants associated with haze.
“We are closely monitoring the air quality and will provide updates on any significant changes to the air quality situation,” NEA said.