'We assume the best of them': M'sia DPM says no reply from Indonesia so far on offers of assistance for haze

Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has announced stepped-up measures to tackle the forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

However, he did not mention whether Indonesia would accept any offers of assistance from neighbours Singapore and Malaysia, who have also been affected by the haze emanating from the fires.

Stepped-up efforts

CNA reported that Prabowo ordered intensified firefighting efforts in the provinces of Central Kalimantan and South Sumatra.

Over 60,000 personnel have been deployed to support ground operations, including water bombing.

However, an Indonesia minister said that offers of assistance from Malaysia and Singapore were not discussed.

Previously, Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said Singapore stands "ready to assist" with Indonesia's efforts.

She added that she has been in touch with Indonesia's environment minister and said she is supporting any regional efforts to have discussions on cooperation on haze issues.

Singapore has also convened its Haze Task Force, and N95 masks will be distributed to vulnerable Singaporeans when the PSI hits the "unhealthy" range.

Malaysia says Indonesia hasn't responded to offer of help

Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also revealed that the Indonesian government has yet to respond to Malaysia's offer to assist with fighting forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

As reported by Malaysian media Sinar Harian, Ahmad Zahid said he conveyed the offer of assistance during a previous official visit to Jakarta, Indonesia.

While there, he met with Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.

Malaysia offered 55 firefighting personnel, three helicopters and one plane to help battle the blaze.

However, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia has yet to receive a response from Indonesia, Indonesian media Kompas reported.

He added that officials in Malaysia's foreign affairs ministry and disaster response agency have sent letters to their counterparts to follow up, but have not received an answer as of Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.

Ahmad Zahid said that Malaysia chose to be optimistic and assume that Indonesia did not need their help.

"We view this matter positively and assume that perhaps they do not need our assistance. As I said, we assume the best of them."

He also said that the haze crisis should not be seen as a conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia, but both countries should cooperate to tackle the forest fires.