Dedah nama syarikat Malaysia bakar hutan, Kedutaan Indonesia diberitahu

Malaysia-based civil society groups have urged the Indonesian government to reveal the names of all companies, particularly Malaysian-owned entities, involved in the forest fires and open burning in the rainforest. Heng Kiah Chun, interim Greenpeace Malaysia, stated that clarification is needed regarding those responsible for the current disaster.

She mentioned that Indonesian authorities pointed fingers at Malaysia and Singapore-based companies, while the latter claimed to practice pro-environment standards. The groups demanded that the government must clarify which companies are accountable and hold those who do not comply accountable. The memorandum was delivered to a Kedutaan Indonesia official.

In addition to Heng, Malaysian advocacy lawyer Brendon Gan called for the enactment of an extraterritorial law in Putrajaya, noting that despite Malaysia being the first ASEAN signatory to the 2002 Borderline Smoke Pollution Convention, the country still lacks extraterritorial legislation empowering local courts to sue local companies operating overseas.

Gan urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to coordinate directly with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to share data, analysis, and a list of companies to address this environmental crisis collectively. He said proactive progressive groups and civil society would demand accountability from elected leaders if they fail to show political commitment in handling the cross-border fire issue.

Earlier, around 20 people gathered outside the embassy holding Manila cards reading "Can't breathe," "Not free from fire yet," and "Name them, show the evidence, take action," shouting "Reject, reject the smoke!" and "Reject, reject the fire!" The protest was in response to Indonesian politician Marwan Dasopang's statement urging Malaysia and Singapore to help curb forest fires in Kalimantan instead of merely reacting when they generate companies from the two countries to manage palm oil plantations in the region.

The Air Pollution Index (API) in Serian, Sarawak, was dangerously high at 517 at 10:45 am that day. According to the Department of Environment (JAS), the API in East Malaysia ranged from moderate to dangerous, while on the Peninsula, it was within the good to unhealthy range.