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For buskers, whose livelihoods depend on drawing crowds in public spaces, the worsening air quality has made it harder to perform and earn an income.<\/p>\n
While they are still taking to the streets across Singapore, many are doing so for shorter periods.<\/p>\n
Mr Cliff Lee, a full-time busker of 10 years, told CNA he has cut his usual daily performing hours from four to two over health concerns.<\/p>\n
His earnings have similarly fallen by nearly 50 per cent.<\/p>\n
“I’m trying to get more indoor locations, but of course it’s hard because everyone is trying to snatch it,” he said while busking at a spot at Tanjong Pagar Plaza.<\/p>\n
He highlighted locations such as Dhoby Ghaut MRT station and the air-conditioned Toa Payoh Bus Interchange as in-demand alternatives amid the haze.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At Orchard Road, one of Singapore’s most popular busking locations, performers told CNA that crowds have thinned since the onset of the haze in September, although many continue to perform.<\/p>\n
“There are far fewer people now,” said busker Michael Lee, who performs regularly at Orchard Road.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Fridays and Saturdays used to be particularly busy, and Sundays too. But now there are significantly fewer people. I’d estimate that the crowd has dropped by at least half.”<\/p>\n
He added that his income had fallen by about 10 to 20 per cent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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