Malaysia awaits Indonesia's decision on haze firefighting assistance offer

Malaysia continues to await feedback from the Indonesian government on its proposal to assist in extinguishing forest and land fires that have been contributing to regional haze, Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi said Friday.

Speaking in Ipoh, Zahid indicated that the Malaysian offer of firefighting aid remains on the table as bilateral discussions between the two neighbouring countries continue. The haze situation has periodically affected air quality across Malaysia and other Southeast Asian nations, prompting regional calls for coordinated action.

Indonesia has historically grappled with seasonal fires in its forest and peatland areas, particularly during dry weather periods. Cross-border smoke and particulate matter from these fires frequently drift into Malaysian airspace, affecting visibility and air quality indices across the country.

The Malaysian government has previously engaged in joint firefighting operations and technical cooperation with Indonesian authorities during peak haze episodes. Officials from both nations have maintained regular dialogue on environmental and natural disaster management, though responses to specific assistance offers can vary depending on operational and political considerations.

The status of Malaysia's current proposal underscores ongoing efforts by the government to address the transboundary haze challenge through bilateral cooperation and proactive regional engagement.