MALAYSIA is prepared to send firefighters to Indonesia to help put out forest fires in the republic.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the government was concerned about the problem, which could cause smoke and was ready to provide assistance at any time.

“I have discussed it with Shahidan Kassim, who is in charge of the Fire Department and the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) and he has given the assurance that they are ready at any time,” he said today.

Recently, Indonesia’s Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) warned of an increase in forest fire threats because of an ongoing drought, which was expected to worsen.

It has also detected hot spots in Aceh causing the area to experience smoke.

However, the Indonesian Peat Soil Recovery Agency has reportedly given an assurance that neighbours like Malaysia and Singapore would not be experiencing smoke as it had already taken steps to halt forest fires.

Following his meeting with governors of Riau and Jambi, Wan Junaidi said he was planning to meet with the governor of Aceh next, to discuss the matter. – Bernama, July 30, 2017.