TDM rebuts report Indonesian subsidiary conducted open burning
(The Star) – TDM Bhd has rebutted a report that its Indonesian subsidiary PT. Rafi Kamajaya Abadi (PTRKA) allegedly conducted the largest opening burning of 600ha in West Kalimantan.
In a statement to Bursa Malaysia on Thursday, TDM said since 2016, there was neither new development nor land clearing activities within its area of operation.
TDM also said it practises the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) principles it was strictly governed by the “no burning” policy.
“There shall be no use of fire in the preparation of new planting, replanting or any other developments, ” it said.
A news report entitled “Six Malaysian firms behind open burning, says Indonesia” stated PTRKA allegedly conducted the largest opening burning of 600ha in West Kalimantan.
READ MORE HERE: Six Malaysian firms behind open burning, says Indonesia
However, on Thursday TDM pointed out since the beginning of the dry weather in early August, PT RKA had encountered a few fire incidences within its operating area and the matter had been reported to local authorities including the police department.
“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 management has lodged police report on the fire incident and full cooperation has been given to the authority to accommodate the investigation.
“As at today, the cause of fire has yet to be ascertained and is still under investigation by the Indonesian authority. As per the earlier announcement, we have reported that the fire has been extinguished.
“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, ” TDM said.
In its earlier statement to Bursa on Sept 17, TDM said about 1,201 hectares of PTRKA’s area has been affected by the recent fire.
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Six Malaysian firms behind open burning, says Indonesia
(EdgeProp, Oct 2): Indonesia has identified six Malaysian-linked companies operating estates in Indonesia out of 56 companies that are responsible for the open burning which is causing the region-wide haze.
According to a statement issued by the Indonesian government on Sept 25, the companies included PT Ichtiar Gusti Pudi, which is linked to Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd, and PT Menteng Jaya Sawit Perdana and PT Adei Plantation and Industries, which are linked to Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd.
The others are PT Sime Indo Agro, a company linked to Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi, which is linked to TDM Bhd, and PT Kebun Ganda Prima, which is linked to Silver Investments Ltd of Malaysia.
Among the six companies, the TDM-linked company Rafi Kamajaya Abadi allegedly conducted the largest opening burning of 600ha in West Kalimantan.
The Indonesian government said it is in the process of imposing criminal charges on 55 concessionaires and one individual involved in open burning in their concession area, totalling 10,076ha.
Apart from the Malaysian-linked companies, a Hong Kong plantation firm and seven Singapore companies have been identified to be involved in open burning in Indonesia.
Last month, Indonesia’s Environment and Forestry Ministry’s director-general for law enforcement Rasio Ridho Sani was quoted as saying that under Indonesian criminal law, the courts can impose punishments including jail terms for company executives, fines and seizure of corporate profits.
