Plantations Ministry to study cooperation with Indonesia to prevent Kalimantan fires

The Plantation and Commodities Ministry in Malaysia is examining a proposal to enhance collaboration with Indonesia, with the aim of preventing and managing forest and land fires, particularly in the region of Kalimantan. This cooperation could encompass information exchange and joint efforts to curb fires in the Indonesian province, following allegations implicating Malaysian plantation firms in such incidents.

The ministry has paid close attention to reports from Greenpeace and Pantau Gambut, which have raised alarms about the implications for public health and the environment.

To gather insights, the ministry organized a meeting with six Malaysian companies via the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) on September 10. This session aimed to collect data on ongoing fire scenarios and the preventive and control strategies in place within their operational areas. The ministry also noted feedback regularly to track situation changes.

Regarding reports connecting PT Menteng Jaya Sawit Perdana (PT MJSP), a subsidiary of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK), to the fires, the ministry acknowledged KLK's official statement dated October 6. KLK claimed that PT MJSP strictly adheres to a zero-burning policy and does not engage in replanting activities. The company also highlighted that a majority of the fires are believed to have started outside its concession areas, and it detailed the fire prevention and control measures it has put into effect.

The ministry emphasized that Malaysian businesses operating abroad are obligated to abide by the laws of their host nations and enforce stringent fire prevention and control protocols, including addressing the potential for fires to spread from adjoining regions. It reiterated that the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) will persist in scrutinizing developments and procuring the most recent information from Malaysian companies conducting operations in Kalimantan.

The ministry reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the palm oil sector functions sustainably and responsibly, with public health and environmental preservation as top priorities.