NEA's investigations into foul smell inconclusive

SINGAPORE: The National Environment Agency (NEA) said its investigations into the foul smell detected on Monday have been inconclusive.

However, its findings show that the smell could be from the open burning of materials, or due to incomplete combustion from a "large fuel-burning plant".

NEA said it did not uncover any possible sources within Singapore.

On November 29, residents in the northeast of the island including Punggol, Sengkang and Ang Mo Kio had complained about a foul odour similar to insecticide.

A thick smoke also hung over some estates.

NEA said it sent officers down to the affected areas as soon as possible but the rain had dissipated some of the smell and smoke.

The officers managed to pick up low levels of petroleum-based hydrocarbons with their instruments but no harmful or toxic chemicals were detected.

NEA also said the smell was not harmful to health.

The NEA said it has written to its counterpart in Malaysia to ask if they had detected anything similar in Johor, but MediaCorp understands that no such complaints were received.

NEA said it is waiting for Malaysia's response, and will follow up with them if necessary.

COPIED AND PASTED FROM THIS LINK