Malaysian oil palm plantations company TDM Berhad has denied Jakarta's accusation that one of its concessions was behind the largest opening burning in Indonesia.
In a statement, TDM stressed that it practices a strict “no burning” policy, adhering to the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) principles.
“There shall be no use of fire in the preparation of new planting, replanting or any other developments.
“Since 2016, there is no new development nor land clearing activities been carried out within our area of operation,” the company said in a statement today.
TDM was referring to a report by The Edge yesterday in which the Indonesian government fingered six Malaysian-linked companies operating estates in Indonesia to be responsible for open burning blamed for the recent transboundary haze across the region.
Jakarta said these were out of 56 companies it deemed responsible for the open burning.
Indonesia also claimed that of the six, TDM-linked Rafi Kamajaya Abadi allegedly conducted the largest opening burning on 600ha of land in West Kalimantan.
TDM today claimed Rafi Kamajaya Abadi (PT RKA) accounted for a few fire incidences within its operating area since excessive dry weather began in early August.
“The affected areas are accessible by the surrounding villagers and with the prolonged dry spell which makes it vulnerable to be exposed to such fire incidences.”
The fire was extinguished and the matter was reported to police, TDM said.
“Thee cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained and is still being probed by Indonesian authorities.
“...We will continue to work closely with the local authorities, fire department and the villagers on joint operations for fire prevention and fire-fighting purposes," the company said, adding it was considering legal action. - Mkini
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