SHAH ALAM, Oct 24 — Malaysia is prepared to help Indonesia tackle the transboundary haze, including by seeking support from Gulf countries, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He said Malaysia understands the challenges Indonesia is facing in containing massive forest fires, especially in remote areas, and that he would contact his Indonesian counterpart Arrmanatha Christiawan Nasir soon to discuss the matter.
“I also agreed with (United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister) Sheikh Abdullah Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday, when he said that if assistance from them was needed, he was ready, together with other partners, to send assistance.
“If Indonesia needs assistance, I will bring this matter to my counterparts from Gulf countries to send whatever assistance is needed,” the Rantau assemblyman told reporters after presenting Deepavali aid to his constituents at Dewan Orang Ramai Rantau today.
Mohamad said Malaysia cannot stay passive as forest fires in Indonesia are affecting neighbouring countries, although any assistance must consider safety issues.
He also explained that firefighting is particularly challenging due to the remote locations of the fires and thick haze significantly reducing visibility.
“It is indeed easy for us here to talk... but try to imagine that the fire area is 1,000km or 500km from settlements. There is no other way except to use aircraft, but the aircraft also cannot carry out firefighting duties because of limited visibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad also said Malaysia is prepared to extend humanitarian aid to Yemen following discussions with the country’s Foreign and Expatriates Minister Dr Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba yesterday.
He expressed hope that Yemen’s civil war ends, adding that the prolonged conflict has brought suffering to its people, with 22 million affected, including many struggling with hunger.
“Malaysia has already expressed its sympathy and is ready to participate in any aid mission or provide assistance.
“We ask that external stakeholders sit at the same table so the people of Yemen can enjoy a peaceful life,” Mohamad said.
