Singapore has established an inter-agency task force and implemented measures to tackle transboundary haze, which has affected the country for 13 consecutive days as of Saturday.
Since Oct. 5, Singapore's air quality has failed to meet safety standards, remaining at "unhealthy" or even "very unhealthy" levels throughout the period.
"We are concerned about our health being outside, showing the city to our friends. We expected a certain kind of view, but the Singapore skyline is a bit, you know, visibility is very low," said an exchange student from Portugal as she was showing her friends around the city. Singapore's National Environment Agency said on Friday that it has been actively monitoring hotspots in the region and the spread of haze to identify companies responsible for the pollution.
Meanwhile, the country's Ministry of Education said it would consider closing schools and shifting students from preschool through secondary school to home-based learning if the haze situation worsens.
Meteorological experts in Singapore said a combination of factors, including land clearing through burning, water loss in peatlands and the El Nino phenomenon, has contributed to forest fires in Indonesia, which in turn have caused transboundary haze.
The prevailing southwest monsoon winds have carried haze from Indonesia toward Singapore, affecting the country's tourism, outdoor dining, construction, and aviation sectors.
Experts said that as the prevailing southwest monsoon gradually gives way to the northeast monsoon, winds are expected to carry the haze away from Singapore, with conditions likely to improve between mid-November and early December.
Singapore steps up response as transboundary haze disrupts multiple sectors
Over 550,000 people took part in protests over the soaring cost of living and deteriorating public services in Paris and other major French cities on Saturday, with violent clashes in some areas.
According to French media reports, the demonstrations brought together farmers, climate activists, trade unions and students, expressing demands on fuel prices, the cost of living, education and public services.
The protests were fueled by the French government's push for the 2027 budget proposal. Facing high public debt and a large fiscal deficit, the government plans to improve public finances through revenue increases and spending cuts.
The proposed measures have sparked public concern over purchasing power and possible impacts on public services. At the same time, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty in international energy markets are adding external pressure to the French economy.
"Personally, I haven't had much trouble, because I have a good job and my income covers my expenses. But for many people, this is indeed a problem. The war has certainly driven up the prices of certain resources, such as gasoline. For those who rely on their cars, the prices of all kinds of energy are rising," said a protester.
"This summer, on several occasions when I was considering whether to drive, I weighed it over and over and eventually gave up on the trip because I simply couldn't afford the fuel. And I'm not even particularly dependent on a car. I live in Paris and can use public transport. But for people living outside Paris who rely on their cars to get around, it's just too hard," said another protester.
"In any case, public services are already in dire straits. This is true for schools, hospitals, and the judicial system alike. For everyone, this is nothing short of a nightmare," said a protester.
Numerous attacks on public buildings, police stations and businesses were reported during the demonstrations.
A total of 2,397 people were arrested during the protests, which were marred by violence, according to figures released by the French Interior Ministry on Sunday. A total of 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously.
Protests over rising living costs, failing public services erupt across France
