Malaysia offers aircraft, other assets to help tackle Indonesia’s forest fires

Malaysia has officially extended a helping hand to Indonesia in their battle against forest fires, offering crucial support such as a Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft and an extensive team of personnel. Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi conveyed this offer during a meeting with Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as part of a four-day working visit.

Zahid, who also heads the National Disaster Management Committee, stated that the assistance would encompass three helicopters, 52 officers and personnel from various Malaysian agencies. The proposed aid will be presented to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for approval. The Malaysian Bombardier CL-415MP aircraft, previously deployed in south Sumatra in 2015, is capable of conducting aerial firefighting operations by collecting water from various sources before dropping it onto the affected areas.

The Malaysian government has expressed deep concern over the annual occurrence of forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, which result in haze that impacts Malaysia. Zahid emphasized that this assistance is not aimed at interfering in Indonesia's affairs, but rather to collaborate in addressing the transboundary haze issue, which affects both Malaysia and Indonesia.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of developing a mitigation plan to prevent these fires from recurring annually.