Malaysia remains committed to helping Indonesia fight fires

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia remains committed to providing assistance to Indonesia to fight fires causing the regional haze, despite preparations for the northeast monsoon, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Malaysia had previously pledged a Bombardier aircraft, three helicopters and 52 personnel to assist its neighbour in tackling the fires.

"Although the assets are few and the number of personnel is small compared with the overall effort to fight the fires causing the haze in Indonesia, which affects Malaysia, Singapore, Timor-Leste and Indonesia itself, we remain committed to continuing this assistance," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Road Safety Congress 2026 here.

Zahid said Malaysia was also preparing for the northeast monsoon, which could bring another major challenge in the form of floods.

"We are now on standby to face the northeast monsoon.

"After the haze and fires, we will face a national disaster - floods," he said.