Indonesian Palm Oil News (IPO News) — Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK) has clarified reports linking its Indonesian subsidiary, PT Menteng Jaya Sawit Perdana (PT MJSP), to fire-related haze-source points in Indonesia. The company said most fires originated outside its concession area and that all reported incidents had been extinguished.
In a statement reported on October 6, 2026, KLK reiterated its zero burning policy, stating that open burning is not permitted for land preparation or any other purpose across its operations. The company also said the PT MJSP concession was fully mature, with no replanting activities underway.
KLK said it had strengthened fire prevention and response measures, including round the clock hotspot monitoring, satellite surveillance, drone monitoring and daily ground patrols across its estates and surrounding areas. The company also described additional measures to support firefighting operations during prolonged dry weather. KLK said fire incidents were documented and reported to the relevant authorities where necessary.
Environmental Groups’ Findings
On October 5, 2026, Greenpeace Indonesia, Greenpeace Malaysia and Pantau Gambut identified KLK Group, which is linked to PT MJSP, among the entities associated with fire related findings in Indonesia. Their assessment was based on a haze-source dataset covering the period from August 1 to October 1, 2026.
The report’s identification of a company in connection with haze source points should not, by itself, be treated as a final legal determination that the company deliberately started a fire. KLK subsequently disputed the implication that the fires originated within its concession, saying most had started outside its boundaries.
Malaysia Government’s Statement
On October 16, 2026, Malaysia’s Communications Mnister, Fahmi Fadzil, said that cross checks by the country’s Plantation and Commodities Ministry found that the fires examined occurred outside the oil palm concession areas owned by Malaysian companies operating in Indonesia. The government also said the Malaysian Palm Oil Board would hold engagement sessions with Malaysian plantation companies operating in Indonesia.
The government’s statement provides additional context to the issue, although it should be distinguished from the specific findings published by environmental groups and KLK’s own account of the incidents involving PT MJSP.
The developments highlight the importance of transparent reporting, effective fire prevention and independent verification in addressing forest and land fires and their impact on communities and regional air quality.
Muslim M. Amin, Editor in Chief
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