Malaysia pushes to fast-track Indonesia talks on forest fire aid as haze worsens

A firefighter from the Regional Disaster Management Agency douses a forest fire at Sungai Rambutan village in Ogan Ilir, South Sumatra September 11, 2026. Malaysia wants operational negotiations with Indonesia to be expedited to allow the country’s team to be sent to help extinguish the forest fires in that country, which have caused cross-border haze. — AFP pic

First Published: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2026 5:54 PM MYT

Last Modified: Wednesday, 07 Oct 2026 7:04 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 7 — Malaysia wants operational negotiations with Indonesia to be expedited to allow the country’s team to be sent to help extinguish the forest fires in that country, which have caused cross-border haze.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that the agreement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding Malaysia’s offer of assistance has been obtained, but operational methods and the location of the Malaysian team are still under negotiation between the two countries.

“However, the way the operation will be carried out is probably being negotiated between both parties, both countries.

“I hope that the negotiations for this operation, on how and where the team from Malaysia that can help can be expedited because the haze situation in our country has become extremely severe, exceeding unhealthy levels, and is approaching the hazardous index,” he said to the media.

He said this when met after attending the graduation ceremony of the Diploma in Diplomacy Programme 2026 here today.

Mohamad said he hopes that matters related to the operation can be decided quickly so that Malaysia can send a team to help their friends in Indonesia extinguish the extensive and spreading forest fires, especially in Kalimantan.

“I personally hope that the operational issues between the two can be expedited and decided so that we can send a team to assist,” he said.

Previously, the media reported that Indonesia accepted Malaysia’s offer to help extinguish the forest fires in the republic that caused prolonged haze for several weeks.

The matter was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his working visit to Indonesia last month.

Ahmad Zahid was reported to have said that Prabowo agreed to Malaysia’s offer to help extinguish forest fires in Kalimantan, with more than 1,400 hotspots detected. — Bernama