Only 22% of eligible Singaporeans have collected haze masks: Haze Task Force

Only 22 per cent of eligible Singaporeans have collected haze masks from community clubs (CC) and vending machines, the Haze Task Force (HTF) said on Thursday (Oct 22).

This comes after the Government began distributing haze masks to eligible Singaporeans through People's Association, CCs and vending machines since last Wednesday (Oct 14).

A second wave of mask distribution will also take place from Friday.

A possible reason for the low uptake could be that those in need of the masks do not have the capacity to claim them.

Speaking with media on Thursday, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu shared that the Government is aware of people within the community who might not be able to physically collect masks, such as elderly or those with special needs.

"So I'd like to encourage everyone, whether you are volunteers, whether you are neighbours, whether you are business owners or colleagues, please look out for [them]," she said. "Please help them to collect."

She added: "Every one of us can do our part… to support the vulnerable among us."

Singapore has also experienced nearly a week of 'normal' PM2.5 readings since Sunday (Oct 18).

Hourly concentration readings have stayed in the normal to low-elevated bands over the past days after winds turned to blow from the south.

However, the National Environment Agency cautioned on Wednesday evening that the haze may return on Thursday and Friday, citing dry conditions over southern Kalimantan.

Despite the low rate of uptake of masks from CCs and vending machines, some retail stores have also run out of masks, Fu said on Thursday.

The Ministry for Sustainability and Environment (MSE) is working closely with the Ministry of Health to assist retailers with their stock, she explained, adding that FairPrice Group still has supplies.

"We are helping to replenish the stocks at Sheng Siong, Giant and Cold Storage, so no need to panic," the minister said.

"There are always masks available, and we just need to give the retailers some time to replenish their shelves."

AsiaOne has contacted MSE for more information.

[[nid:748559]]

[email protected]