Singapore's haze shelters underutilised despite offering air-conditioned refuge

An inspection of eight haze shelters distributed across Singapore revealed that most remain underutilised, with many facilities either empty or locked during periods when air quality deteriorates. The shelters, established to provide respite during episodes of regional haze, appear to have failed to attract significant numbers of visitors seeking relief from poor air quality and elevated temperatures.

Those who did use the facilities, however, expressed satisfaction with the free air-conditioned environment they provided. The shelters offer a practical refuge during haze episodes, particularly for residents unable to remain indoors or those without access to adequately cooled spaces at home or work.

The low uptake raises questions about public awareness of shelter locations and their availability during haze events. It also highlights the challenge of balancing preparation for air quality crises with the reality of public usage patterns. Authorities may need to consider enhanced promotion of shelter facilities and their specific locations to improve accessibility during future haze episodes.

Singapore's regional position makes it periodically vulnerable to transboundary haze, typically linked to forest fires in neighbouring countries during the dry season. The shelter programme represents one component of the island's broader air quality management strategy.