The fires occurred outside oil palm concessions owned by Malaysian companies, and one blaze spread into a five-hectare Malaysian-owned plantation, says Fahmi.
PUTRAJAYA: No Malaysian plantation companies were involved in burning activities in Indonesia, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said.
He said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad had confirmed the matter during today’s Cabinet meeting, following cross-checks conducted by the ministry.
“The fires occurred outside the oil palm concessions owned by Malaysian companies. In fact, in one case, a fire spread from outside into a Malaysian-owned plantation.
“However, the fire has been extinguished. The plantation covers five hectares,” he told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting here today.
Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesman, said the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) would hold a special engagement session with all Malaysian plantation companies operating in Indonesia following the incident.
Recurring forest and land fires in Indonesia remain a regional concern, with transboundary haze affecting neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.