In transboundary haze town hall, ex-minister says Malaysian companies in Indonesia should be made to disclose new land purchases

Hajar Umira Md Zaki
·1-min read
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 21 — Former science, technology and innovation minister Yeo Bee Yin today suggested that Malaysian companies in Indonesia should be made to disclose details of their land purchases.

Yeo, who is also the Puchong MP, said this during a town hall session with stakeholders on mitigating transboundary haze here, today.

“What a Transboundary Haze Act can do or maybe do, when it comes to burning, is make our companies operating in Indonesia disclose their new land purchases.

“How was the land cleared before you bought it? I always read reports that our companies are buying slash-and-burn land. Yet our companies say, ‘I didn’t slash and burn. Of course not, because you bought (the land) after slash and burn (clearing was carried out),” she said.

Following Yeo’s suggestion, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad later said, during a press conference, that he welcomed any positive insights and data sharing.

However, he said any discussions would require going through the proper channels, as it involved cross-border matters with Indonesia, as a neighbouring country, as well as the companies involved.

“I definitely agree with the disclosure of data as it is very important. Sometimes, what is questioned is the data.

“Receiving more information will definitely help us overcome the issue,” he said.

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