Smell in the air

Smell in the air: "RESIDENTS across Singapore were complaining of a bad 'chemical' odour yesterday.

Described mostly as a strong, kerosene-like smell, it spread across the island throughout the day, affecting people from Punggol to Yio Chu Kang and Tampines.

A National Environment Agency (NEA) spokesman said the agency had received about 100 complaints since 5pm about a smell described variously as an 'oil smell', a 'burnt plastic smell' and a 'chemical smell'.

He added that a large number of complaints were first received from residents in the Sengkang and Punggol areas, followed by Seletar Hills and Serangoon Gardens. Some complaints were also received from the Toa Payoh North and Ang Mo Kio areas.

No toxic gases have been detected and the NEA is monitoring the situation.

The agency has also contacted its Malaysian counterparts to check whether any unusual smell has been detected in Johor."