Singapore-listed First Resources, Bumitama Agri point to El Nino, say some fires began beyond their boundaries

“The presence of hotspots within a concession should not, in itself, be interpreted as an indication that the concession holder caused, initiated or condoned a fire,” it added.

Similarly, Bumitama Agri said a number of incidents appear to have developed outside the areas directly managed by the group before spreading across surrounding landscapes.

“Based on the internal observations and preliminary investigations currently available to the group, no evidence has been established linking the group’s operations with initiation of the fires under investigations and to the haze in question,” executive chairman and CEO Lim Gunawan Hariyanto said in a statement published on SGX.

He said fire prevention and management are longstanding priorities for Bumitama, and its approach includes early detection, preparedness, suppression and recovery.

Fire risks are monitored through satellite-based hotspot tracking, 24-hour field monitoring and hourly patrols, artificial intelligence-enabled closed-circuit television and thermal-imaging drones, he said.

Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) said it has engaged listed issuers with agricultural operations and plantations in Indonesia to seek information, including whether their activities may have contributed to the haze and the measures they are taking in response.

SGX RegCo said listed companies are expected to disclose material information in a timely and transparent manner and keep stakeholders informed as the situation develops. It added that it would take appropriate regulatory action if companies fail to meet their disclosure obligations.

CNA has reached out to First Borneo Plantations with queries, but the company has not responded.