M’sian aircraft, personnel to tackle Kalimantan forest fires
PETALING JAYA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has accepted Malaysia’s offer of assistance to tackle forest and land fires in Kalimantan, stressing that the two neighbours must continue to maintain their close “brotherly” ties.
Speaking after receiving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at his residence in Hambalang, Bogor, on Friday, Prabowo said Malaysia had offered one aircraft, three helicopters and 52 firefighting personnel.
“He is an old friend of mine. So, he visited me and we discussed various issues.
“First, from the Malaysian side, he offered help. He wanted to help us to overcome the forest fire in Kalimantan. Today, I would like to express my gratitude and happiness,” Prabowo said.
He noted that Indonesia had also received assistance from Japan and several other countries, describing the fires as a life-threatening problem whose impact extended beyond Indonesia’s borders.
“Even though it is a forest fire in Indonesia, the impact is felt by our neighbours. So, they want to help us and we accept it well,” he said in a video posted by Ahmad Zahid on Facebook yesterday.
Prabowo said the Malaysian assets would be deployed soon, adding that similar assistance had been provided during previous haze episodes.
Measures, he said, were also being taken to prevent such fires from recurring in the coming years.
Beyond the haze issue, the two leaders discussed other bilateral matters, with Prabowo stressing the importance of not allowing disruptive issues to be exaggerated.
Ahmad Zahid said he was pleased to meet his friend Prabowo.
“Although we have met several times, each meeting consistently opens up new avenues for us to strengthen the relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia and expand cooperation between our two nations.
“Thank you, Mr Prabowo, for graciously receiving my visit and welcoming the Malaysian delegation,” Ahmad Zahid said, adding that he deeply appreciated the time spent together and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is in Indonesia for a four-day working visit aimed at strengthening Malaysia-Indonesia cooperation in disaster management, including forest and land fires, as well as in issues involving the halal industry and rural development.
