Pekanbaru distributes free masks amid regional haze

The Pekanbaru City Government has received 6,000 free masks from BPJS Kesehatan to distribute to residents due to fluctuating air quality and rising PM2.5 fine particle concentrations. Vice Mayor Markarius Anwar stated that the masks are available at community health centers (puskesmas) and various government service offices to help mitigate health risks from air pollution.

While no active hotspots have been detected within Riau province according to BMKG data, haze continues to affect the region. The Riau Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) explained that the haze is being carried into the province from neighboring regions where forest and land fires are still occurring.