Indonesian authorities have arrested 10 people for allegedly starting fores fires to make way for their plantations on Sumatra island, police said today.

The move came after thick smog from scrub and peat fires cloaked much of Riau province on Sumatra, Malaysia and Singapore, sparking protests from the neighbouring countries.

“We expect there will be more suspects,” said Senior Commissioner Sofyan, who head the haze disaster law enforcement task force in Riau.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday sent 2,000 mostly military troops to help extinguish the fires, responding to growing criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.

Attempts to douse the blazes using cloud seeding to induce rain have only resulted in light rain, officials said.

Susilo on Monday apologised to Singapore and Malaysia, where pollution reached hazardous levels as a result of the haze.

- dpa

DOE Air Pollutant Index - check API readings nationwide.

Related stories

Haze 'not from Malaysia', so emergency motions rejected

Downpour clears smog, air quality improves nationwide

Another death in Muar allegedly due to haze

Haze to blame as Cardiff cancel tour of Malaysia

Waiting for the haze problem to 'burn' itself away