Indonesia yet to respond to Malaysia's firefighter assistance offer

Malaysia is continuing to await a response from Indonesia regarding its offer to deploy firefighters across the border, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday. Zahid stated that the country maintains a positive outlook on the matter, noting that Jakarta's silence does not necessarily indicate rejection.

"We remain optimistic and assume the best," Zahid told reporters, adding that Indonesia may simply have determined it does not need Malaysian assistance at present. The deputy premier's comments came as regional haze conditions and fire-related concerns persist across Southeast Asia.

The offer of firefighter deployment represents part of Malaysia's broader regional cooperation efforts, particularly during periods when transboundary haze and forest fires affect multiple nations. Such assistance programmes have been instrumental in previous years when both countries faced significant air quality challenges.

Malaysia has previously engaged in cross-border firefighting operations and personnel exchanges with Indonesia during emergency situations. Officials in Kuala Lumpur indicated they would continue monitoring the situation and remain ready to provide support should Jakarta request it.