Malaysia has received Indonesia’s approval to send firefighting aircraft, helicopters and personnel to help tackle forest and land fires in Kalimantan that have contributed to transboundary haze affecting neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had agreed to Malaysia’s offer during their meeting at Istana Hambalang in Jakarta.
“President Prabowo welcomed it, meaning he has given permission for Malaysia to jointly address the haze and fires in Kalimantan,” Ahmad Zahid said during a press conference today.
Malaysia’s assistance will include a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, three helicopters and 52 personnel from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Central Disaster Management Committee, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had been tasked with coordinating the mission with NADMA, MMEA, the Malaysian Meteorological Department, RMAF, Fire and Rescue Department and other relevant agencies.
He stressed that coordination between ministries, departments and agencies would be crucial now that Indonesia had approved Malaysia’s involvement.
The assistance will not be limited to short-term firefighting efforts, Ahmad Zahid said, adding that both countries had also discussed longer-term measures to prevent fires and haze from recurring.
According to Ahmad Zahid, Prabowo said there were still 1,426 hotspots in Kalimantan, while Indonesian authorities had taken legal action against 95 companies over open burning in the Borneo region.
Asked whether any Malaysian companies were among the 95 companies, Ahmad Zahid said no such information had been provided so far, with Indonesian authorities still examining whether there was any Malaysian involvement.
He said the companies were registered in Indonesia, although some could have Malaysian shareholders holding small stakes.
Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia welcomed Indonesia’s efforts and would continue working with its neighbouring country to tackle forest and land fires and transboundary haze, particularly its impact on Sarawak.
