KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Malaysia has already agreed to mobilise their assets to Indonesia to help deal with the haze issue which is plaguing Southeast Asian countries, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today.
He said upon receiving orders directly from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, he had already contacted his Indonesian counterpart to discuss the aid needed.
“I have contacted my colleague in Indonesia Ryamizard Ryacudu and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on this matter.
“For now, help sought by Indonesia involves involves an aircraft that is able to put out widespread fires. The Malaysian government will fly an amphibious Bombardier CL415MP for the mission to Indonesia.
“The aircraft is able to drop 6,137 liters of water in 12 seconds while flying at a speed of 130km/h,” he told a press conference at his ministry here.
Hishammuddin also said his ministry will work closely with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Royal Malaysian Air Force to coordinate the mission.
Hishammuddin said Malaysia has always been ready to help Indonesia fight the cause of the haze that is plaguing the region.
“We won’t hesitate to help. We have been consistent in wanting to help Indonesia and we stand by that,” he said.
Malaysia,Indonesia and Singapore have been among the Southeast countries that have been badly affected by haze for over a month.
National sports events, outdoor activities and even schools have been either cancelled or postponed because of the poor air quality.
