LIVE UPDATES ON THE EMERGENCY PRESS CONFERENCE
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Ministers Ng Eng Hen and Minister Vivian Balakrishnan will be speaking on the haze situation at 3pm, today (June 20). Live updates here:
"Haze is not a new problem for Singapore and Malaysia, but this episode is more serious than in recent years," Mr Lee said. "This afternoon the 3-hour PSI reached 371, a new high. The 24-hour PSI (at 2pm), which our health advisories are based on, was in the range of 175-207 – in the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy range. We expect the wind and weather conditions to remain the same, and therefore the haze to persist."
Mr Lee also said that he had written to Indonesian President Yudhoyono to register serious concerns and reiterate the Republic's offer to help. Mr Lee also vowed to take action against any Singapore companies or companies in Singapore responsible for causing the fires in Sumatra.
Mr Lee added that the Ministry of Health will implement a special scheme to provide financial help with medical expenses for those in need. An inter-ministerial committee will also be set up to focus on protecting public health and safety and work with Indonesians to mitigate the haze.
Dr Ng, who will chair the inter-ministerial committee, said: “Like it or not, for haze to improve we are dependent on the Indonesian government. We must not let the haze overrun us. The haze will test our economic and social resilience.”
When asked about a tipping point for a stop-work order, PM Lee said that there is no hard line where everything must stop. He also added that it is "not fruitful" to respond to Indonesian minister's comment that Singapore is acting like a child over.
PM said his priority is to protect the health and safety of Singaporeans especially vulnerable groups, such as the young and elderly and those with heart or lung diseases. He urged Singaporeans to see the doctor or GP promptly if they fall ill.
Financial Help: PM said MOH will implement a special scheme for young Singaporeans, elderly Singaporeans, CHAS card holders, Public Assistance and MFEC card holders suffering from respiratory problems and conjunctivitis because of haze. They can see their GPs for $10. MOH will settle the rest of the medical bill.
Starting later today, the Government will hold a daily press briefing to update Singaporeans of the haze situation and recommend protective measures for the day ahead, PM said.
PM Lee: I ask Singaporeans to remain calm and look out for one another. Watch out for your neighbours, especially older Singaporeans and young kids. If any of them have respiratory problems, bring them to the clinic immediately. Contact your RCs and MPs if you have any questions. I am confident we can manage this problem, and get through if we stay united and work together.
PM Lee laughs when asked by reporter about PSI is not accurate : "We don't play those kinds of games in SIngapore"
Minister Vivian: Singapore is the only country publishing 3-hour average PSI, the rest do it for 24hrs. We will have complete transparency in (PSI) data & we have to assess all sorts of data