AYER KEROH: Malaysia is considering deploying helicopters and water bombers to assist Indonesia in combating raging forest fires across the republic.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the proposed aid is being discussed by senior officials from both nations before being presented to the cabinet for approval.
He said the assistance under consideration includes deploying helicopters and water-bombing aircraft to support firefighting operations in affected areas.
"The Foreign Ministry secretary-general, National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) director-general, and National Security Council director-general are holding talks with their respective counterparts on the matter," he said after closing the 10th National Conference of Persatuan Solidariti Nasional (PerSoNa) here today.
"The outcome of these discussions will be brought to the cabinet soon to seek approval for sending appropriate assistance."
On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said Malaysia stands ready to assist Indonesia following President Prabowo Subianto's decision to accept assistance offers from neighbouring countries.
Elaborating further, Mohamad said Malaysia cannot remain silent as the forest fires affect the region, but stressed that any aid operation must prioritise safety.
He said firefighting operations face severe challenges due to remote inland locations and thick haze severely impairing visibility.
"It is difficult to send trucks or other equipment because the fires are deep in the interior," he said.
"The remaining option is aerial firefighting, but aircraft also face difficulties flying due to dense haze.
"Visibility is reported to be below 50 metres, while the pollution index in Kalimantan has reached 1,000."
He added that these hazardous conditions previously forced a Japanese team involved in assistance efforts to return home after being unable to continue its mission.
Mohamad assured that Malaysia will ensure any aerial assistance is executed cautiously without endangering pilots and crew.
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