15 September

Singapore's air quality has deteriorated to the worst level in three years as smoke drifts from forest fires in Indonesia.

The country's National Environment Agency said the government benchmark on pollution exceeded 100 on Saturday. A reading above 100 is considered to be unhealthy. The agency issued an advisory urging people to avoid outdoor activities for extended periods of time.

The smoke is primarily the result of field-burning practices at this time of the year on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The lack of rain this year has worsened the situation.

Singapore is hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix from Friday and concern is rising about the impact of smog on spectators.—NHK