Smoky 'chemical' smell detected in various parts of Singapore: SCDF, NEA monitoring situation

A burning 'chemical' smell and smoke that spread from north-eastern parts of Singapore to the west yesterday (Sep 25) has puzzled several residents.

Stomper Kevin informed Stomp that he experienced a strong smell at his home in Sengkang.

"I smelt a strong oil burning smell but I don't know where it was from," he said.

"It is not a hazy smell but that of oil or petrol."

Fellow Sengkang residents, Stomper Maniam and another Stomper experienced the same pungent smells from their homes as well.

Stomper Jastine reported a "bad haze with a chemical smell" from Yio Chu Kang to Ang Mo Kio which was experienced by Keng Guan at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 too.

Many of the Stompers expressed concern and wanted to know what was the reason behind it.

At 7.42pm yesterday, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on its Facebook page that it had deployed resources to investigate the smell.

It posted an update at 9.55pm stating that their monitoring teams have not detected the presence of Toxic Industrial Chemicals in the air and will continue to closely monitor the situation.

In a Facebook post at 10.34pm, the NEA said winds converged over the northern half of Singapore from about 3pm, which may have led to smells accumulating in the northern area.

It added that it would continue to monitor the situation closely.

Stomp understands that the fumes are believed to be from Johor Baru.