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The island nation is again confronting unhealthy air quality after forest‑fire smoke from Indonesia pushed the Pollutant Standards Index into the very unhealthy range across three regions, prompting health authorities to mobilise protective equipment. Distribution lines for N95 respirators have opened as residents scramble for masks, while some areas see only limited relief, with conditions expected to improve no earlier than the weekend. The government has also announced new haze‑related subsidies and is investigating seven Indonesian firms it says are responsible for the fires, signalling a tougher stance on cross‑border pollution. These steps matter because prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter can exacerbate respiratory conditions and strain the health system, especially for vulnerable groups. Going forward, observers will watch whether the mask rollout meets demand, if the subsidies alleviate public concerns, and how effectively the notices to foreign companies curb future fire incidents. [[1, 2, 3, 4]]