Antara 1 Jul 11;
Dumai, Riau Province (ANTARA News) - Residents of Dumai city, Riau Province, have begun to suffer from respiratory problems due to haze produced by forest and plantation fires in the province.
"At night, the air becomes choking. The smell of haze also stings. The haze seems to be very thick," Suhendra (32), a local resident, said here Friday.
The haze was much thicker in the evening than in the morning or afternoon, according to him.
"We hope the government will take a firm stance against those burning plantation areas. If possible, put them in jail, so there will be no more such incident," he said.
Visibility in Dumai is estimated to be below 800 meters. Dumai health authorities said the air quality in the city was deteriorating due to the haze.
The Air Pollution Standard Index Board of PT Chevron Pacific Indonesia (CPI) in Dumai shows that the air quality index on Thursday (June 30) was at 153 PSI (Pollutant Standard Index), meaning unhealthy.
"We call on the people to be watchful of various diseases concerning respiratory problem," Marjoko Santoso, head of the Dumai health service, said.
(Uu.F001/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
