A noticeable burning smell detected across various parts of Singapore in recent days is likely due to smoke haze drifting south from vegetation fires north of the island, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday (Jan 26).
In a Facebook post, the agency said that hotspots linked to vegetation fires continue to be observed north of Singapore. With prevailing winds blowing from the north or northeast, smoke haze from these fires could be carried into Singapore’s airspace.
The explanation comes amid growing public concern, with many residents taking to social media to report a persistent burnt smell. At least three new discussion threads were posted on Reddit on Monday, with users describing odours resembling burning wood or plastic in several neighbourhoods. Some said the smell caused irritation to their noses and throats, raising concerns about potential health effects.
NEA sought to reassure the public, saying that a noticeable burning smell does not necessarily correspond to a significant deterioration in air quality. “While a burning smell may be noticeable, it does not always result in a significant change to air quality readings,” the agency said, adding that it is monitoring the situation closely.
As of 10pm on Monday, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) ranged between 43 and 56, placing air quality in the good to moderate range. By 11pm, readings remained stable, ranging from 45 to 53, according to NEA data.
The 24-hour PSI is Singapore’s main indicator of daily air quality and forms the basis of NEA’s health advisories. It is calculated using six key air pollutants: fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particles (PM10), ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Earlier, on Saturday evening, NEA noted that PM2.5 levels in the eastern part of Singapore were “slightly elevated”. The agency said this coincided with complaints from residents about a faint burnt smell, which it attributed to a detected hotspot and smoke plume in Johor, Malaysia, located close to Singapore.
NEA said it will continue to track hotspot activity and air quality conditions, and will provide updates if the situation worsens or health advisories need to be issued.
