Malaysia Awaits Indonesia’s Response to Offer of Help in Tackling Haze Crisis

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Indonesia has yet to respond to Malaysia’s offer to assist in fighting forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, which have contributed to the regional haze affecting Malaysia.

The proposed assistance includes an aircraft, three helicopters and 55 personnel to support firefighting operations, reflecting Malaysia’s willingness to help address the problem across the border.

Malaysia Offers Aircraft, Helicopters and Personnel to Help Fight Indonesian Forest Fires

Ahmad Zahid said the offer was raised during his official visit to Jakarta, where he met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency and Foreign Ministry had also sent official letters to their Indonesian counterparts, but no response had been received by Sunday.

Despite the lack of a reply, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia would take a positive view of the situation, suggesting Indonesia might not require the assistance.

He stressed that the haze issue should not become a dispute between the two countries, but should instead be addressed through regional cooperation and prevention. While legal action could be considered by the Attorney-General’s Chambers, he said coordination under the ASEAN framework would be a better way to prevent recurring haze problems and protect public health.