Malaysia to help waterbomb Sumatra fires

FAREZZA HANUM RASHID New Straits Times 9 Oct 15;

SUBANG: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) today sent two aircraft to Indonesia to help with firefighting.

A Bombardier CL 415 MP aircraft and an AS 365 N3 Dauphin helicopter have been sent to Sumatra to assist the Indonesian government in putting out the fires that have caused the haze around the region.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has also deployed a Hercules C130 to assist in logistics.

The operation was launched today at the RMAF Air Movement by MMEA Deputy Director-General Maritime First Admiral Datuk Che Hassan Jusoh and Air Operation Commander Lt. Gen. Datuk Sri Akcbal Abdul Samad.

"The Indonesian government has requested for our assistance as they are aware of our capabilities with the Bombardier CL 415 MP," Che Hassan told a press conference here.

The Bombardier is capable of scooping 6,137 litres of water in 12 seconds from the sea and using a technique called "water bombing" could put out a fire the size of a football field.

Malaysia is the the only Asian country that owns the aircraft to date.