The National Environment Agency's (NEA) daily rubbish collection service will become less frequent if the haze becomes severe, said a spokesman on Wednesday. Recycling services may also be scaled back, but dengue inspections in homes and application of insecticides will continue due to the current epidemic.

The NEA also said that all of its officers checking public areas and working outdoors will wear protective N95 face masks if a health advisory calls for this. It will also work with the Waste Management and Recycling Association to advise contractors serving commercial and industrial premises.

Town councils and condominium management committees are also advised to work with their contractors to ensure continuity of their conservancy services.

Separately, NEA chief executive Andrew Tan said plans for Mr Ronnie Tay to take over the agency on July 1 remain in place. Mr Tay was the chief executive of the Infocomm Development Agency and has been Mr Tan's understudy for two weeks. Mr Tan has headed the NEA since 2009.