“Maybe they don’t need our help” - Indonesia Yet to Respond to Malaysia’s Offer to Help Combat Forest Fires

As Malaysia continues to grapple with haze caused by prolonged forest and land fires in neighbouring Indonesia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has offered Malaysia's assistance in tackling the blazes.

However, Indonesia has yet to respond to the offer.

Image Credit: NST

According to reports, Ahmad Zahid extended the offer during his recent official visit to Indonesia, where he met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

The proposed assistance includes the deployment of an aircraft, three helicopters and 55 personnel to help contain the fires in affected areas.

Ahmad Zahid also said that the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Foreign Ministry had sent official letters regarding the offer to their Indonesian counterparts, but no response has been received so far.

“We assume the best, and perhaps they don’t need our help,” he said.

“We are still capable of handling it”

Image Credit: Reuters

Meanwhile, Indonesia has decided not to declare the forest and land fires a national disaster at this stage, saying it remains capable of managing the situation.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman said the decision was made during a limited cabinet meeting chaired by President Prabowo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday (12 October).

Dudung added that offers of international assistance were not discussed during the meeting, although the government acknowledged concerns over the transboundary haze affecting neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Singapore.

“There have indeed been responses from other countries regarding these forest fires, but we have made maximum efforts,” he said, as reported by The Star.

Featured Image Credit: Berita Harian, The Star