Haze back in Singapore, with PSI hitting 84

Haze back in Singapore, with PSI hitting 84
Posted: 19 October 2010 1924 hrs

	Photos 1 of 1 Hazy skies at Bukit Panjang (Photo contributed by: Carolyn Chong)
	Video Haze back in Singapore, with PSI hitting 84

 
SINGAPORE : The haze is back in Singapore, with the southwesterly winds blowing in the smoke from the fires in Sumatra.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) said the 3-hour PSI reading on Tuesday climbed from 78 at 6pm to 84 at 8pm before dropping to 61 at 11pm. Though the readings are still in the moderate range, the condition has worsened from the 24-hour reading of 56 at 4pm.

The 24-hour PSI is a measure of the air quality over a period of 24 hours. It is updated at 4pm daily. The 3-hour PSI reading is a measure of the air quality over a period three hours. It is updated on the hour.

A PSI reading of above 100 is considered unhealthy.

The NEA said the latest satellite pass detected 202 hotspots in Sumatra, mainly in the provinces of South Sumatra, Jambi and Riau.

The winds are expected to remain southwesterly to westerly from the evening to Wednesday, and showers with thunder are expected in the late morning and afternoon on Wednesday.

NEA said the showers should help to mitigate some of the smoke haze, but there is still a possibility that some slight haziness may remain over the next few days.

The agency is monitoring the smoke haze situation closely and will provide updates should the air quality deteriorate.

Members of the public may also call the NEA Call Centre at 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255-632) or access www.nea.gov.sg for any feedback or update on the situation.

- CNA/al/ir

- wong chee tat :)

Newcastle disease hits Malaysia egg farms, affecting supply in S'pore

Newcastle disease hits Malaysia egg farms, affecting supply in S'pore
By Ng Lian Cheong

	Photos 1 of 1 Eggs

 
SINGAPORE : Chickens in some farms in Malacca and Johor have been affected by the Newcastle disease - a viral disease that causes chickens to lay smaller-than-usual eggs.

And this has affected supply of eggs in Singapore.

Compared to a month ago, there has been a decrease in egg imports by about 1.5 million or 7 per cent.

Singapore's Eggs Import and Export Trading Association said prices for eggs have also increased three cents.

Demand is also higher for larger eggs.

Newcastle disease is a contagious bird disease and is more common in Southeast Asia. Its effects are most notable in domestic poultry due to their high susceptibility.

According to the association, although the chickens are slowly recovering from the disease, the production of eggs has not gone up as quickly.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is monitoring the situation. 

- CNA /ls 

- wong chee tat :)