Malaysia deploying assets to help Indonesia put out fires, says Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is deploying its assets to help Indonesia put out fires in Palembang and South Sumatra.

Ministry of Defence Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (pic) made the announcement after attending a meeting on the revamped National Service 2.0 at the ministry here, on Thursday.

He said the decision was made after the president of Indonesia requested our help through the Prime Minister to put out the fire there.

"I have contacted my counterpart Ryamizard Ryacudu and Indonesia’s foreign minister Retno Marsudi," he said.

"The Malaysian Government will deploy an amphibious plane Bombardier CL415MP for the mission," said Hishammuddin.

He added that the aircraft is able to drop 6,137 litres of water in 12 seconds while flying at the speed of 130kmh (70knots).

The operation, which will be coordinated between Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), will see water dropped at affected areas as determined by the Indonesian authorities.