{
  "id": 14950421,
  "title": "Malaysia's palm oil industry steps up fire prevention efforts as 'Godzilla' El Nino fuels haze woes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/malaysias-palm-oil-industry-steps-up-fire-prevention-efforts-as",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T12:10:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/haze-malaysia-indonesia-palm-oil-plantation-fires-el-nino-6465896"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's palm oil industry is intensifying fire prevention measures in response to a severe drought exacerbated by El Nino, which is also contributing to transboundary haze. Major plantation companies have pledged to enhance joint monitoring and fire prevention efforts, working closely with local communities and small farm operators to address hotspots causing regional haze. The prolonged dry spell, described by industry officials as comparable to \"Godzilla El Nino,\" has affected both crop yields and environmental reputation. Satellite data this year recorded over 1 million hotspots, with nearly 900,000 hectares in Kalimantan, including national parks, affected by fires. While RSPO defends certified plantation operators, highlighting that 92% of fires are outside oil palm concessions, the industry acknowledges the need for more proactive and collective efforts to minimize reputational damage. Malaysia has offered assistance to Indonesia's firefighting efforts, including a firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and personnel. However, experts emphasize the importance of a shift in monsoon patterns for sustained relief, as underground peat fires may persist even with increased rainfall.",
  "summary": "Prolonged dry weather linked to El Nino is affecting crop yields and hampering efforts to contain fires contributing to the regional haze, industry players say.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}