Sime Darby open to talks on land clearing methods

KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd is willing to discuss the issues faced by its concession in Indonesia with the local authorities to find an amicable solution for land clearing methods.

The group was responding to several reports published recently on open burning in Indonesia that had caused the recent haze.

Some 14 companies had been identified and were being probed for open burning.

They include eight Malaysian-owned firms namely PT Langgam Inti Hiberida, PT Bumi Rakksa Sejati, PT Tunggal Mitra Plantation (PTTMP), PT Udaya Loh Dinawi, PT Adei Plantation, PT Jatim Jaya Perkasa, PT Multi Gambut Industri and PT Mustika Agro Lestari.

The group said in a statement yesterday that its unit Sime Darby Plantation had had several discussions internally and with external stakeholders on the repeat problems associated with traditional land-clearing methods in Indonesia.

"Sime Darby Plantation recognises that current discussions are mainly on responsibility for land and accountability for activities that occur therein," it added.

Sime Darby said in order to find a sustainable and long-term solution, it has engaged with the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to discuss the issues.

"This is in line with our recent call on June 28 for constructive dialogues between all relevant stakeholders to find a sustainable solution to the haze problem.

"There is a need to clearly demarcate areas under the control of a company and those occupied by local communities within a Licensed Concession Area," it said.

Sime Darby will maintain the current boundaries of its operating areas and continue to work closely with local authorities and educate local communities on sustainable farming practices, it added.

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Sime Darby open to talks on land clearing methods