Most of Indonesia’s fires outside Malaysian-owned concessions, says Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 — There are no Malaysian plantation companies with palm oil concessions in Indonesia that were involved in forest fires linked to the regional haze issue, said Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil.

He said this was based on cross-reference checks conducted with local companies that maintain palm oil concessions in Indonesia.

“Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad informed the Cabinet that the burning activities occurred outside of the concession areas owned by Malaysian companies,” he said at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, which was broadcast live today.

Fahmi, who is also the unity government spokesman, added that one Malaysian-owned plantation under Genting Plantations saw a fire from outside spread into its land.

He said the fire, which affected five hectares of land, has since been put out.

“The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) will continue to have engagement sessions with Malaysian plantation companies that have their operations in Indonesia,” he said.

Fahmi added that Malaysia would review the assistance it had earlier offered to Indonesia to fight the forest fires, such as the deployment of assets, as the situation had changed.

He explained that this was to ensure the assistance given by Malaysia would be effective.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the Health, Education, and Youth and Sports ministries had informed the Cabinet of the need for closer coordination to tackle the haze issue, including steps on outdoor activities and learning centres.

He added that the Education and Health ministries said their current guidelines followed the National Haze Action Plan.

“The Prime Minister’s Office will chair a meeting this Monday (Oct 19), and the haze will be one of the issues on the agenda.

“We expect more information after the meeting, including updates from the various ministries,” he said.