THE chemical or petrol-like smell that was reported in various
parts of the island on Monday did not originate in Singapore, the
National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Thursday.
The agency did not identify the source of the odour, but said it
will continue with its investigations.
Its findings, however, show that the smell could be from the
open burning of materials, or due to incomplete combustion from a
'large fuel-burning plant'.
The agency added in the statement: 'As part of our on-going
bilateral cooperation, NEA has alerted its Malaysian counterparts,
and will follow up with them through the established channels.'
On Monday, the NEA received more than 100 calls complaining
about the smell from various parts of Singapore, including
Sengkang, Punggol, Ang Mo Kio and Tampines. The police also
received calls on its hotline complaining about the odour.
In the statement on Thursday, the agency said it had measured
air quality in affected areas. 'No toxic gases in the air have been
detected. NEA has further established that there is no negative
impact on public health,' it added.
DARYL CHIN