Malaysia pushes to fast-track joint fire-fighting mission with Indonesia
Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has accepted Malaysia's offer to help combat forest fires, but details on deployment and tactics are still being negotiated.
Malaysia's foreign minister, Mohamad Hasan, confirmed that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has consented to accept Malaysian support in fighting the extensive forest fires ravaging Kalimantan. While the overall assistance is approved, the two countries are still hashing out the exact operational approach and which Malaysian forces will be involved. Hasan highlighted that one outlet haze has reached hazardous levels, surpassing health thresholds and entering a dangerous index.
He called for swift resolution of the operational talks so that Malaysian personnel can be dispatched without further delay. The offer was previously reported by Deputy Prime Minister Zahid Hamidi during a recent visit to Indonesia, where more than 1,400 fire hotspots were identified.
Why it matters
Rapid cooperation could reduce hazardous haze affecting millions in Southeast Asia.
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