Fahmi: No Malaysian palm oil companies involved in burning activities in Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR, October 16 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has stated that there are no Malaysian palm oil companies operating in Indonesia with concessions that were involved in the forest fires contributing to regional haze, according to checks conducted with local companies. Cabinet Secretary Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad confirmed that the burning activities took place outside the concession areas owned by Malaysian companies.

Fahmi, who also serves as the unity government spokesman, noted that a Malaysian-owned plantation, Genting Plantations, experienced a fire originating from outside that spread onto its land, affecting five hectares of land. The fire has since been extinguished. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) will continue engaging with Malaysian plantation companies operating in Indonesia.

Malaysia will reassess the assistance it previously provided to Indonesia for combating the forest fires, as the situation has evolved to ensure the aid is more effective. Health, Education, and Youth and Sports ministries have recommended closer coordination to address the haze issue, adhering to the National Haze Action Plan. The Prime Minister’s Office plans to convene a meeting on Monday (October 19) to discuss the haze issue, with updates from various ministries expected afterward.