Bintan Hotspots: Haze Unlikely to Reach Singapore – NEA

SINGAPORE, January 29, 2026 — Smoke from hotspots detected in Indonesia and Malaysia isn’t expected to impact air quality here, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA). But officials are watching the situation closely, as shifting winds could change that.

Haze Watch: Singapore Remains Clear, But Fires Persist Nearby

Despite several hotspots identified in neighboring countries, Singapore residents can breathe easy for now.

• Hotspots were identified on the Indonesian island of Bintan on Thursday.
• A single hotspot was also detected in Johor, Malaysia.
• The NEA stated that smoke haze is unlikely to directly affect Singapore at this time.
• Shifting winds could potentially carry haze towards Singapore if fires continue.

Will Singapore be affected by haze from Indonesia and Malaysia? Currently, no. The NEA reports that prevailing winds are keeping any potential smoke away from the island nation, but the situation is fluid.

The NEA identified multiple hotspots on Bintan, Indonesia, on Thursday. Despite extensive cloud cover hindering satellite visibility, a hotspot was also detected in Johor, Malaysia. “As these are downwind, any smoke haze is unlikely to have a direct impact on Singapore,” the agency said in a Facebook update.

The agency emphasized that if winds shift and continue blowing from the north and northeast, smoke haze could drift towards Singapore if the fires aren’t contained.

Officials are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. The potential for haze remains a concern, particularly as dry conditions can exacerbate fire risks in the region.

Understanding the Wind’s Role

Wind direction is a critical factor in determining whether haze from regional fires will affect Singapore. Currently, winds are blowing in a direction that carries smoke away from the island. However, changes in weather patterns could quickly alter this scenario.

What the NEA is Doing

The NEA is actively monitoring satellite imagery and ground-level air quality data to track the development of hotspots and assess the potential for haze. This proactive approach allows the agency to provide timely information to the public and implement mitigation measures if necessary.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation evolves.