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Mr Shanmugam on Monday acknowledged First Resources’ prior statements on its zero-burning policy and its firefighting efforts, but said statements alone are insufficient and must be backed by evidence.<\/p>\n
“We will ask for the full facts and we will act based on the facts,” he said.<\/p>\n
Denying its responsibility in the ongoing haze, First Resources said on Tuesday that it has a longstanding zero-burning policy, which is strictly enforced across its operations, and is committed to transparency and accountability.<\/p>\n
“We believe that any assessment of the source of fires should be based on verified facts, scientific evidence and a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances on the ground,” the company said.<\/p>\n
It added that the group remains open to constructive suggestions on how collective efforts to prevent and manage fires can be further strengthened.<\/p>\n
“Addressing the complex challenge of transboundary haze requires sustained collaboration among governments, companies, local communities and other stakeholders,” said First Resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
CNA has reached out to NEA on whether the agency intends to take up First Resources’ invitation for inspections.<\/p>\n
First Resources was established in 1992 and has been listed in Singapore since 2007. It manages more than 200,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, including in North Sumatra and West Kalimantan.<\/p>\n
The company was first named in an Oct 5 Greenpeace report as being linked to companies whose plantation concessions were contributing to the current haze season.<\/p>\n
In response to queries from the Indonesia Stock Exchange, the company said over the weekend that forest and land fire incidents have not had a significant impact on its production targets.<\/p>\n
First Resources’ share price on the Singapore bourse has tumbled more than 10 per cent since it was named in the Greenpeace report. On Tuesday, the stock closed at S$3.74 (US$2.93) per share.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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