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Sampit blanketed by thick haze
Thick haze, allegedly caused by land fires, covered Sampit in East Kotawaringin regency, Central Kalimantan, on Monday
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Thick haze, allegedly caused by land fires, covered Sampit in East Kotawaringin regency, Central Kalimantan, on Monday.
Locals have reportedly been using face masks since the morning to avoid inhaling the smoke. One of the locals, Diana, said the haze was first noticeable on Sunday evening, but had become thicker on Monday morning.
Motorists have also been driving with their lights on due to the low visibility caused by the haze.
'Due to the thick haze, the visibility is down to only around 200 to 300 meters,' motorist Ihad said as quoted by Antara news agency.
East Kotawaringin Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Himawan Bayu Aji said the police had made one arrest in connection with the land fires. He said firm action would be taken against anyone, including companies, who were found starting illegal land and forest fires.
He added that the police had warned people on a number of occasions to stop burning fields and forests, but it seemed some people had refused to heed the warnings. (alz)
