Malaysia denies its palm oil firms linked to Indonesian burning

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has clarified that no Malaysian palm oil companies holding concessions in Indonesia are engaged in burning activities, distancing the country from environmental practices that have drawn regional scrutiny.

The assertion comes amid heightened concerns over transboundary haze and land-clearing practices across Southeast Asia. Malaysia has faced criticism in previous years over its role in regional air quality deterioration, making clear statements on the matter a priority for diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries.

Fahmi's statement underscores Malaysia's position that local operators are adhering to environmental and regulatory standards. The clarification may help ease tensions with regional partners, particularly Indonesia, over shared environmental challenges that affect air quality and public health across the region.

The issue of land-clearing through burning remains a contentious subject in Southeast Asia, with several countries implementing stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent recurrence of severe haze episodes that have disrupted economic activity and caused widespread health concerns in recent years.