03.10.2019 (Free Malaysia Today) - KUALA LUMPUR: Plantation company TDM Bhd says it is strictly governed by the “no-burn” policy when it comes to preparing land for new planting, replanting or any other projects.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, the plantation company said since 2016, there have been no new development or land-clearing activities within its area of operations.

It said it also fully observed the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) guidelines.

It was responding to an article published in The Edge on Oct 2, 2019 entitled “Six Malaysian firms behind open burning, says Indonesia”.

According to the article, TDM-linked company PT Rafi Kamajaya Abadi (PT RKA) allegedly conducted the largest open burning of 600ha in West Kalimantan.

“We wish to emphasise that the reported statement by The Edge on the alleged open burning is not true. TDM will consult our solicitor on the next course of action.

“The board further wishes to highlight that since the beginning of the dry weather in early August, PT RKA had accounted for a few fire incidences within its operating area and the matter had been reported to the local authorities, including the police department,” it said.

The affected areas were accessible to the surrounding villagers, it noted, adding the prolonged dry spell had made the areas vulnerable to such fire incidences.

The management has lodged a police report on the fire incident and full cooperation has been given to the authorities, it said, pointing out that the cause of the fire has yet to be ascertained and is still under investigation by the Indonesian authorities.

“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 added.