Malaysia Ready To Send Aircraft To Douse Forest Fires In Indonesia

Bernama 11 Sep 09;

SIBU, Sept 11 (bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to send its fire bomber aircraft or air tanker to help Indonesia douse its fires in joint efforts to reduce the occurrence of transboundary haze.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas said here today he had written to his Indonesian counterpart on the availability and readiness of the aircraft to fly there.

He told reporters here today that this was in response to the Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore Ministerial Standing Committee Meeting on transboundary haze problem in Singapore last month where it was agreed that co-ordinated efforts would be made by all in fighting it.

"Indonesia had indicated at the meeting that it might need our help.

"If this happens, we will contribute in ensuring a haze free Hari Raya celebration for the people especially in Sarawak," he said.

"At the same time we pray that there will be more rains in Kalimantan," he said.

He said that based on a satelite report, 700 hotspots had been detected in Kalimantan as of yesterday compared to less than 50 in the state itself.

Unggah also commended the people as well as the state and government ministeries for their co-operation in reducing open burning which had helped to reduce the local haze problem.

"We really appreciate such efforts and co-operation," he said.

-- BERNAMA