KUCHING: Malaysia is prepared to provide cloud-seeding and logistical support to Indonesia if requested to help address forest and peatland fires, particularly in Kalimantan.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) must be ready to coordinate assistance should the Indonesian government make a request.
The National Disaster Management Council chairman said any assistance would be subject to approval from Indonesian authorities and suitable weather conditions.
“NADMA needs to be prepared to coordinate if there is a request from the Indonesian government, including requirements for cloud-seeding operations and logistical support to help address forest and peatland fires, particularly in Kalimantan,” he said.
He said this at a press conference after chairing the High-Level Committee Meeting on National Disaster Management at Wisma Bapa here today.
He said NADMA should also identify in advance the assets, equipment, expertise and logistical capabilities that could be mobilised if a formal request was received.
“The coordination to prevent these hotspots will continue through Foreign Ministry, and we will hold coordination meetings between the Malaysian and Indonesian governments.
“Long-term coordination will continue. The ministerial meeting in Bali recently discussed these matters, but there has not yet been a final decision,” he said.
For the record, Zahid is scheduled to make a working visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from Sept 17 to 20 to attend the Halal-20: The 5th World Halal Summit 2026, organised by Indonesia’s Halal Product Assurance Organising Agency (BPJPH).
He said that transboundary haze would be raised during his discussions in Indonesia.
“One of the important topics is the haze problem, which I will discuss and coordinate with Indonesia Vice-President Gibran Rakabuming Raka ,” he said.
Asked whether Malaysia would raise compensation over the effects of recurring haze, including its impact on health and tourism, he said the emphasis should instead be placed on preventive action.
“We believe prevention is better than cure. This means we take early preventive measures, and this is a long-term step.
“As ASEAN member countries, the measures I mentioned are important for us to undertake.
“If we ask for compensation, it is not a definitive responsibility that must be borne by any one country.
“But when prevention is carried out earlier, matters involving sensitive issues between countries need not arise,” he said.
Zahid said proactive measures should be undertaken among ASEAN member countries when cross-border issues involve floods, fires and haze.
“For me, diplomatic measures must be undertaken in addition to technical efforts between officials in neighbouring countries,” he said.
