Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 3): TDM Bhd has denied that a company linked to it is involved in any open burning in Indonesia.

The denial follows a report by The Edge Financial Daily today that the Indonesian Government is investigating fires at concessions belonging to six Malaysian planters in the country.

The report quoted a statement by the ministry of environment and forestry dated Sept 25 saying the companies included Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd's PT Ichtiar Gusti Pudi, and Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK)-linked PT Menteng Jaya Sawit Perdana and PT Adei Plantation and Industry.

Meanwhile, PT Sime Indo Agro, linked to Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, TDM Bhd's PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi, and Silver Investments Ltd's PT Kebun Ganda Prima were also on the list.

"Legal proceedings are being conducted against 55 concession holder companies and one individual," the statement read.

Of the six Malaysia-linked companies mentioned in the statement, TDM's Rafi Kamajaya Abadi had the largest affected area, with 600ha identified in West Kalimantan.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, TDM said it practises the RSPO principles and is strictly governed by the "No Burning" policy.

It said there shall be no use of fire in the preparation of new planting, replanting or any other developments.

"Since 2016, there is neither new development nor land clearing activities been carried out within our area of operation," it said.

TDM added that since the beginning of the dry weather in early August, PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi had accounted a few fire incidents within its operating area and the matter had been reported to local authorities including the police department.

It said the affected areas are accessible by the surrounding villagers and the prolonged dry spell makes it vulnerable to be exposed to such fire incidents.

TDM said TP Rafi Kamajaya Abadi has lodged police reports on the fire incidents and full cooperation has been given to the authorities 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," it said.

At the midday break, TDM shares were unchanged at 16.5 sen, valuing the group at RM277.64 million.

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