World · Malaysia Bureau
No proof Malaysian firms linked to Indonesia haze fires, official says
A senior Malaysian official has stated there is insufficient evidence to conclusively link Malaysian-linked plantation companies to the transboundary haze caused by fires in Indonesia. The statement comes as the annual haze season continues to affect air quality across the region.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian authorities have found no conclusive evidence linking Malaysian-connected plantation companies to the forest and land fires in Indonesia that have triggered regional haze, according to a statement by Arthur Kurup.
The assertion addresses longstanding concerns about the role of Malaysian business interests in Indonesia's fire problem, which has repeatedly degraded air quality across Malaysia and neighbouring countries during the dry season.
Malaysia has historically grappled with transboundary haze, with palm oil and timber plantation activities frequently cited as contributing factors to Indonesia's fire incidents. The issue has strained diplomatic relations and prompted repeated calls for greater accountability from companies operating across the border.
The Malaysian government has previously engaged with Indonesian counterparts on monitoring and enforcement efforts to combat the practice of land clearing through burning. Regional cooperation mechanisms remain in place to track haze sources and coordinate response measures during critical periods.
As haze pollution continues to pose health risks to Malaysian residents, authorities have urged vigilance in monitoring air quality indices and implementing preventive measures in affected areas.