First Resources shuns rumours on fire hotspots

'Inferences are inaccurate,' says management.

In a release, First Resources Limited or together with its subsidiaries is aware that there have been several media reports which reported that hotspots had been spotted in land concessions belonging to the Group, suggesting that First Resources or its subsidiaries are contributing to the haze situation through irresponsible burning. 

The Group has clarified directly to various local media that these inferences are inaccurate. At this stage, many public interest groups are piecing together information in a bid to track errant companies based on limited and often outdated information and maps.

We urge these parties to cross-check their information through ground verifications. It is important to note that Indonesian concession permits issued to companies may ultimately not be developed.

Upon the expiry of such permits, the land concessions are returned to the authorities and the company no longer has the legal right to develop or operate on such concessions. First Resources welcomes and will provide assistance to any party who wishes to confirm information pertaining to its plantations and concessions.

We wish to state that the Group places strong emphasis on meeting its business goals in a responsible and sustainable manner. It adopts a strict zero-burn policy and deploys mechanical methods in its land clearing process.

During this period, the Group has stepped up vigilance to monitor its plantations and surrounding areas for hotspots. Any hotspots identified will be reported to the authorities accordingly.