Malaysia Commends Indonesia's Swift Response to Forest Fires
Malaysia appreciated Indonesia's quick response to forest fires and has offered assistance if needed.
Malaysia has commended Indonesia's prompt response to the forest fires and extended an offer of assistance if required. Malaysian Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Arthur Joseph Kurup conveyed the appreciation on Tuesday, August 25, as reported by BERNAMA, referencing ANTARA. Kurup highlighted Malaysia's support for Indonesia's deployment of 1,500 Indonesian National Armed Forces personnel and the utilization of large-capacity helicopters for water bombing, as well as their aggressive implementation of weather modification operations on land.
Both nations agreed to intensify prevention and early response efforts to tackle transboundary haze, particularly prior to Malaysia's Independence Day and Malaysia Day celebrations. Kurup emphasized that the issue had been discussed with Indonesian Minister of Environment Jumhur Hidayat via telephone. Recognizing the anticipated intensification of the El Nino phenomenon in October 2026 alongside the Southwest Monsoon, both countries are pledged to redouble their efforts in prevention and early response.
Malaysia's Independence Day is scheduled for August 31 in Dataran Putrajaya, and Malaysia Day will be observed on September 16 in Kuching, Sarawak. The Malaysian government expressed gratitude to Indonesia for granting official permission for aircraft to cross Indonesian airspace for Cloud Seeding Operations (OPA) in bordering areas.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) are preparing an operational schedule to coordinate with the TNI Commander. Kurup affirmed that Malaysia is prepared to provide assistance to Indonesia if needed and is ready to discuss these assistance matters during cabinet meetings.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability will continue to monitor hotspot movement and current air quality through the Malaysian Department of Environment and Meteorology, while maintaining close coordination with Indonesian authorities for the well-being of people in both countries.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
