REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PEKANBARU -- The health office of Riau province has distributed 3,000 medical masks to residents of Pekanbaru, which has been affected by haze from forest and plantation fires.

Dr. Yohanes of the health office said here on Monday that the masks were given to passersby and motorcyclists in three locations---in front of the Riau governor's office and the heroes' cemetery, as well as at the SKA Mall.

The province currently has a stock of 20,000 masks.

In addition, the air quality in Pekanbaru, which is at the moderate level at present, is deteriorating due to haze.

Authorities have urged local residents, particularly expecting mothers, children and the elderly, to stay indoors as they are more prone to be affected by haze.

"The public must get enough rest, eat nutritious food and drink adequate amount of water because haze can reduce our immunity," he pointed out.

According to Bayu, a local resident who received a mask, the government must impose a strict sanction on those who deliberately set fire to land cleared for farming.

He added that Riau was affected by haze every year for the past 17 years.

"I work outdoors every day. I have difficulty breathing because I keep inhaling haze. So please end this haze issue," he appealed to the government.

On Monday, July 27, some cities and districts in Riau province were shrouded by haze blowing from a neighboring province. Visibility in Pekanbaru was two kilometers, while in Dumai, it was three kilometers.

Also, information from the PM19 particle monitoring device showed that the Air Pollution Standard Index in Pekanbaru was categorically unhealthy.

Moreover, the Terra and Aqua satellites detected 24 hotspots in Riau on Monday. The hotspots were found in the districts of Indragiri Hilir (12), Indragiri Hulu (seven), Bengkalis (three), and Dumai City (two).

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