Malaysian plantation company Guthrie has denied allegations that it was responsible for forest fires in Indonesia, amid growing concerns over haze and environmental pollution in the region.
The company rejected claims linking its plantation operations to the fires, maintaining that the allegations should be assessed against verified evidence.
The issue has attracted attention as forest and land fires in Indonesia continue to raise concerns about transboundary haze, which can affect air quality across neighbouring countries, including Malaysia.
In a statement issued on 20 October 2026, Guthrie said recent field inspections found no active fires at any of its plantations in Indonesia. The company also maintained that there was no evidence linking its subsidiaries or employees to the reported fires.
Guthrie highlighted its Zero-Burning Policy, implemented since 1985, alongside its commitment to preventing deforestation and protecting peatland areas. Its Indonesian subsidiary, Minamas Plantation, operates 67 firefighting teams involving 1,005 trained personnel, supported by drones and infrared monitoring technology.
Between January and September 2026, Guthrie’s firefighting teams reportedly responded to 2,411 fires, including 2,376 incidents on surrounding community land. The company allocates approximately RM800,000 monthly to maintain its firefighting resources and prevention programmes.
Guthrie also disputed reports allegedly relying on outdated land concession maps, arguing that some companies linked to it were no longer under its ownership or management. It reiterated its willingness to cooperate with Indonesian authorities while calling for allegations to be supported by credible evidence.
