Singapore calls for evidence of companies here involved in illegal land clearing

Published on Mar 01, 2014 10:15 PM

A resident sprays water on a peatland fire in Pekanbaru district in Riau province on Indonesia's Sumatra island on Feb 16, 2014. Singapore has asked Indonesia to share evidence of any involvement by Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans in illegal land clearing practices, in reply to comments by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono alleging their role in the ongoing haze over Sumatra.-- PHOTO: AFP

By Zakir Hussain, Indonesia Bureau Chief In Jakarta

SINGAPORE has asked Indonesia to share evidence of any involvement by Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans in illegal land clearing practices, in reply to comments by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Agung Laksono alleging their role in the ongoing haze over Sumatra.

"The Government of Singapore takes a serious view of these allegations," a spokesman for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in response to media queries on Mr Agung's remarks.

"If there is credible evidence that Singapore-linked companies or Singaporeans were involved, the Government of Singapore intends to take further steps against these errant companies and individuals," the spokesman added.

Ongoing forest and peatland fires in Riau saw the province declare an emergency till March 12 and reactivate a disaster command post.

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Singapore calls for evidence of companies here involved in illegal land clearing