[UPDATED] No Malaysian plantation firms linked to Indonesia forest fires, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: No Malaysian plantation firms with oil palm concessions in Indonesia are believed to have contributed to the forest fires responsible for the haze, according to Government spokesman Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Cross-checks with Malaysian companies revealed that the majority of the observed fires had occurred outside concessions owned by Malaysian firms.

One plantation, owned by Genting Plantations, saw a fire spread from outside the plantation boundaries rather than originating within it. The fire has since been extinguished, Fahmi stated during his weekly post-cabinet press conference.

Fahmi emphasized that the Malaysian Palm Oil Board would continue engaging with Malaysian plantation companies operating in Indonesia. He noted that parts of Kalimantan have experienced more than 101 consecutive days without rain, with minimal rainfall recorded in that period.

When asked about Indonesia's response to offers of assistance from neighboring countries, Fahmi mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had informed the cabinet of some developments. However, he acknowledged that several aspects of coordination needed further follow-up. The extensive spread of the fire necessitates reassessment of the assistance offered about a month ago, as the assistance may now need to serve its intended purpose more effectively.

Ongoing discussions are taking place, but specific details regarding the assets that may be sent remain unavailable.