Singapore’s Formula One Grand Prix will go ahead this weekend despite haze from Indonesian wildfires that has pushed air pollution levels in the city-state into the unhealthy range.
Stefano Domenicali, chief executive of Formula One Management Ltd., said the company’s health and safety department was monitoring the situation. However, he expected an “incredible weekend.”
The race is a major event on Singapore’s sporting calendar. It will feature performances by Lana Del Rey, Mark Ronson and other international acts. Organisers expect at least 300,000 people to attend.
Organisers Monitor Haze
Singapore GP Pte Ltd., the race organiser, said it had no plans to change entertainment activities. Most of these events take place outdoors.
“We will continue to closely monitor all weather conditions, including haze, as part of our standard event planning and operations,” Executive Director Adam Firth said in an emailed response to Bloomberg.
The haze comes as Indonesia battles one of its worst fire seasons in years. An intensifying El Niño has worsened drought and fuelled wildfires across the archipelago.
The fires have sent thick smog across Southeast Asia for weeks. Singapore’s skyline was shrouded in haze on Friday as air quality deteriorated.
Data from the National Environment Agency showed unhealthy pollution levels across all five regions of Singapore. Air quality in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur was also in the “very unhealthy” range by midday Friday, according to monitoring platform IQAir.
The agency warned that dry conditions would persist across parts of the southern ASEAN region in the coming days.
“While the hotspot and smoke haze situation may improve in areas experiencing showers, the situation is expected to stay elevated in fire-prone regions experiencing prolonged dry conditions, with a continued risk of severe transboundary haze occurrence,” the agency said.
Malaysia Closes Schools
The worsening haze has increased calls for regional action. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim contacted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday to discuss efforts to tackle the smog.
According to Anwar’s office, Prabowo had “agreed to take the necessary steps.”
Meanwhile, Malaysia ordered schools to close on Friday in Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. The closures also affected Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and the Rompin district in Pahang.
The decision followed similar action in Johor, one of the worst-affected areas.
Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar called for measures to protect children and other vulnerable groups. He also urged residents to wear masks and reduce outdoor activities.
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