In the news: Slight haze in north-eastern and eastern Singapore

Aside from the thematic concerns with regard to the haze in Southeast Asia that I'll be discussing, I would also like to add to the discussion by bringing to light new articles which I find are of relevance to the haze and air quality in the region. 

Link to articles: http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/johor-fires-possible-cause-haze-and-odour-nea and https://sg.news.yahoo.com/pollutants-index--pm2-5--spikes-to-155-in-east-area-of-singapore-011416765.html?linkId=12329116

"Light haze" in Sengkang as a result of Johor landfill fire

Quick summary: A light haze and burnt smell was reported in the north-eastern regions Sengkang, Hougang and Serangoon as well as the eastern parts of Bedok, Siglap, Pasir Ris and East Coast Road earlier this week. This was found to be a result of a fire at a landfill site in southern Johor. Malaysian authorities are still trying to resolve the problem, of which Singapore had offered help too, if required. 

Reflection: A description of "light haze" seems to be pushing it for apparent from the picture above, a description of "Silent Hill has descended upon Sengkang" would be more likely! But jokes aside, this slight episode exposes Singapore's vulnerability to activities in neighbouring countries. The haze this time round was brought upon by one incident of fire, what is more to say about the mass burning of forests that took place in 2013? I'd like to address the scale of events here and draw attention to the fact that our air quality is in actual fact a precarious reality that must never be taken for granted. While the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution, now with Indonesia's cooperation (its recent ratification will be discussed in the upcoming weeks!), has been in place since 2002, we do expect for caution to be exercised when it comes to possible haze pollution incidences. However, slippages and accidental fires do occur for complete governmentality of firms and practices within a nation is impossible. What I feel is of utmost importance in scenarios like this would be the exercise of geopolitical responsibility and cooperation by neighbouring countries to clear up the air and not for blame to be accorded impulsively and irrationally. What Environment and Water Resources Minister Vivian Balakrishnan added to his Facebook statement that "We stand ready to assist if requested" is good example of international prudence and neighbourliness. Unlike popular wishes, haze pollution exceeds the territorial boundaries of a nation and it is the impetus of nations to accede to their responsibilities of the ASEAN treaty for all it is worth.