PSI hits new all-time high of 400 on Friday

[Juan_Cervantes]

SINGAPORE: The haze in Singapore once again reached the hazardous level on Friday morning, with the PSI reading hitting a new all-time high of 400 at 11am.

The latest reading surpassed the previous high of 371 recorded at 1pm on Thursday afternoon.

- CNA/ac

Haze is the popular subject in Singapore recently. The cause of the haze is due to several companies in Indonesia which burn down forests. According to the National Environmental Agency (NEA) website, a Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading of above 300 is considered hazardous.

Officials from Singapore has talked to Indonesia about the problem, but according to Yahoo!, Singapore was accused of 'acting like a child' over the problem. This problem seems to occur yearly. Indonesia has also rejected Singapore's offer of monetary aid for the welfare of Indonesians, commenting that 'Unless its a large amount, Jakarta would reject any offer of financial aid. If it is only half a million, or one million dollars, we don't need that. We would rather use our own national budget.'

Wow.

While many Singaporeans took it to Twitter to complain about the lasting haze, Indonesia has warned Singapore that the problem may last for several weeks. What disturbs me is that despite the hazardous environment as indicated by the readings, our government does not issue a stop-work order. Sure, our country's economy is important, but so are the workers' health. Just so you know, a huge number of workers in our country are foreigners, many of which come from China, Bangladesh and India.

Everyday, thousands of tweets that come along with the hashtag — #SGhaze, are posted. Most are complaints about the haze. But as I look out of the window, the foreign workers are always there, regardless of the conditions. Respect and big thanks to them. They are the real contributors of our country.

Hope this haze does not last though, if it does, school will not re-open. Check these pictures out, it will show you what I am talking about!

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, during the haze. (Credits to Expat Bostonians)



Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, before the haze. (Credits to Straits Time)

[Taylor_P]

Looks like Los Angeles when you go east bound past the shore only not as dark grey and with out a marine layer.

[Mikal]

Singapore has some nice architecture.. You just can't see it.

[Juan_Cervantes]

Singapore has some nice architecture.. You just can't see it.

Heheheh, I see what you did there, Mikal.

[EliteTerm]

Did they legalize weed?

[Juan_Cervantes]

Did they legalize weed?

What do you mean? :trust: But no, our country is strict on drugs. Penalties for drug trafficking or related offences are heavy. Death penalties in general.