JCorp hits back at Indonesian forest fire claims, says plantation ties ended years ago

Johor Corporation said its Indonesian plantation interests were divested in 2007 and 2023, rejecting claims of links to recent forest fires. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 9:35 AM MYT

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 — Johor Corporation (JCorp) yesterday refuted claims associating the group with Indonesian plantation companies linked to forest and land fires, following a recent report published by Wahana Linkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI).

In a statement yesterday, JCorp clarified that it does not own or operate any plantation outside Malaysia.

JCorp further explained that through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad (Kulim), it divested its interests in several Indonesian companies in 2007.

The disposals involved PT Graha Cakra Mulia, PT Sumber Mahardhika Graha, PT Salonok Ladang Mas, and PT Harapan Hibrida Kalbar on August 8, 2007, followed by PT Trimurti Sumbertama on September 26, 2007, with all disposals recorded in JCorp’s 2008 Annual Report.

JCorp added that on July 6, 2023, Kulim further divested its entire equity interest in two other entities, PT Tempirai Palm Resources and PT Rambang Agro Jaya to PT Bakung Starch Lestari.

JCorp reiterated that it has no ownership interest or operational involvement in these companies.

Consequently, the group noted that the continued publication and circulation of these unfounded claims, create a false impression that JCorp owns, controls or operates the companies involved, associating it with the alleged incidents.

“As a state-owned institution, these unwarranted insinuations cause serious reputational harm to JCorp and the Johor State Government,” the statement said.

JCorp is a value driven organisation with total assets exceeding RM26 billion as at end FY2025.

JCorp’s flagship companies; KPJ Healthcare Berhad, JLand Group Sdn Bhd, Johor Plantations Group Berhad, QSR Brands (M) Holdings Bhd and Johor Capital Group Sdn Bhd, spearhead the Group’s interests across five core sectors namely Wellness & Healthcare, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Agribusiness, Food & Restaurant, and Patient Capital.

Recently the analysis by Indonesian environmental non-governmental organisation, WALHI claims that 21 companies linked to Malaysian business entities were involved in land and forest fires in Indonesia between January and September 2026.

The details were highlighted in a mapping report titled “Who Are Behind the Fires?” published by the organisation’s National Executive. — Bernama