Singapore's air pollution worsened to the world's highest level ahead of the annual Formula One weekend. According to Sina Finance, citing IQAir data, Singapore's air quality was in the "very unhealthy" range as of Wednesday afternoon, while Kuala Lumpur ranked second among the world's most polluted cities.

According to local media, about 200 schools, kindergartens, and daycare centers in Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia, about 140 kilometers northwest of Singapore, were ordered to suspend classes today because of haze. Singapore's National Environment Agency said in its latest outlook that much of southern Southeast Asia is expected to remain dry in the coming days, keeping the risk of fires and cross-border haze elevated.

The agency's data also showed that air quality in all five districts of the city was at unhealthy levels. A spokesperson for Singapore GP Pte Ltd., which organizes the F1 race, said on Tuesday that if haze reduces visibility, affects public health, or causes operational issues, the company will work closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation before making any collective decision on the event. An F1 spokesperson said the current situation is not yet a cause for concern.