MALAYSIA READY TO SEND AIRCRAFT TO DOUSE FOREST FIRES IN INDONESIA

SIBU (Malaysia), Sept 11 (bernama) -- Malaysia is ready to send its fire
bomber aircraft or air tanker to help Indonesia douse its fires in joint efforts
to reduce the occurrence of transboundary haze.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Douglas Uggah Embas said
here Friday he had written to his Indonesian counterpart on the availability and
readiness of the aircraft to fly there.

He told reporters that this was in response to the Malaysia, Indonesia and
Singapore Ministerial Standing Committee Meeting on transboundary haze problem
in Singapore last month where it was agreed that co-ordinated efforts would be
made by all in fighting it.

"Indonesia had indicated at the meeting that it might need our help.

"If this happens, we will contribute in ensuring a haze free Hari Raya
celebration for the people especially in Sarawak ( in east Malaysia)," he said.

"At the same time we pray that there will be more rains in Kalimantan
(Indonesia)," he said.

He said that based on a satelite report, 700 hotspots had been detected in
Kalimantan as of Thursday compared to less than 50 in the state itself.

Uggah also commended the people as well as the state and government
ministeries for their co-operation in reducing open burning which had helped to
reduce the local haze problem.

"We really appreciate such efforts and co-operation," he said.
-- BERNAMA