Riau Considering Malaysia’s Offer To Put Out Forest Fires
Riau Considering Malaysia’s Offer To Put Out Forest Fires
15 July 2009
published by www.bernama.com
Indonesia — Riau, which is blanketed in haze due to forest fires in 140 areas and 11 sub-districts, is considering Malaysia’s offer to put out the fires.
Forestry Department spokesman Said Nurjaya said he received a letter from Malaysia forwarded by the Indonesian Environment Ministry on the note of understanding on cooperation to put out forest and peat soil fires.
“Putting out the fires will help reduce haze,” he told Antara news agency in Pekanbaru, Riau on Wednesday.
He said the Indonesian Environment Ministry leave it to Riau’s Forestry Department to prepare equipments for the fire fighting job.
Other Indonesian provinces involved in the Malaysia-Indonesia cooperation are Kalimantan Tengah, Aceh and Jambi.
The haze situation in Riau has reached serious stage and strong winds from South-east to North-East may blow the haze to Malaysia dan Singapore.
Pekanbaru, the provincial capital of Riau is covered in heavy haze from forest and peat soil fires.
