By Anas Abu Hassan
SINGAPORE, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Singapore’s Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend is getting under way under a cloud of unhealthy haze, with authorities and organisers prepared to activate contingency measures to protect spectators and ensure the event runs smoothly.
With air quality reaching unhealthy levels across the city-state on Friday, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said it was working closely with the race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd (SGP) and the government’s interagency Haze Task Force to monitor the situation throughout the Oct 9 to 11 event.
STB said action plans would be implemented based on the intensity of the haze to ensure the smooth delivery of the race and entertainment experience.
The contingency plan sets out measures for different Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) and PM2.5 levels, including keeping those at the circuit informed of haze developments and making medical assistance and N95 masks available on-site if required, it said.
"In the event that haze causes visibility, public health or operational issues, the relevant agencies will work closely with SGP to assess the situation before making any collective decisions regarding the event," STB said in response to Bernama's queries on Friday.
Despite the deteriorating air quality, SGP executive director Adam Firth said there were currently no plans to modify entertainment activities at the Singapore Grand Prix 2026.
"We will continue to closely monitor all weather conditions, including haze, as part of our standard event planning and operations.
"Should there be any changes, we will communicate them through our official channels in a timely manner," he said in a statement.
As of 6 pm, National Environment Agency (NEA) data showed that the 24-hour PSI had reached 192 in the central region, followed by 187 in the west, 167 in the south, 166 in the east and 135 in the north.
The 24-hour PSI forms the basis of NEA’s daily health advisories, with readings of 101 to 200 classified as unhealthy, 201 to 300 as very unhealthy and those above 300 as hazardous.
-- BERNAMA