Jakarta – Haze triggered by forest and plantation fires has continued to blanket Pekanbaru, Riau Province's capital, over the past month. Visibility in the city has dropped and a number of Pekanbaru residents complain that the haze is affecting their health.

MQ Rudi, a local resident, said he had started to suffer from throat irritation and respiratory problems.

"The haze lingers every day, and it gets worse in the evenings and mornings, when it gives off a strong smell," he told Antara state news agency.

The local weather agency said that 45 hotspots, which are an indication of forest or plantation fires, were detected in several districts in Riau.

Last week, Riau had to temporarily close its airport due to low visibility. (dre)