Netizens Question Singapore's PSI 300 School Closure Threshold as Malaysia Shuts Schools Amid Haze

Netizens have questioned whether Singapore's Government is taking the worsening haze seriously enough, comparing its school closure policy with the stricter precautionary measures adopted by neighbouring Malaysia.

While Malaysia has ordered school closures in affected areas, Singapore's Ministry of Education (MOE) will only consider shutting schools when the following day's forecast 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) exceeds 300, classified as hazardous.

In Johor, schools will remain closed until at least October 16, with students switching to home-based learning.

Malaysia's Education Ministry has directed schools to close when the Air Pollutant Index (API) exceeds 180 or remains above 150 for three consecutive days.

Singapore previously replaced its three-hour PSI readings with one-hour PM2.5 readings in 2014, although the 24-hour PSI remains the basis for school closure decisions.

Meanwhile, Singapore's hourly PM2.5 reading reached 284 in the western region at 2pm on October 14, entering the very high band.

The 24-hour PSI remained between 110 and 153, within the unhealthy range.

In response to the haze, the Singapore Government has activated its Haze Task Force and prepared N95 masks for eligible vulnerable residents, with distribution planned when the 24-hour PSI exceeds 200.

The Haze Subsidy Scheme, activated on October 12, also provides subsidised treatment for eligible Singaporeans with haze-related conditions at participating clinics and polyclinics, while air-conditioned community haze shelters will open if PSI exceeds 200.