Malaysian company to be charged by Riau Govt

RIAU. The Riau Police have said that a Malaysian plantation company identified only by the initials “AP” is facing possible license revocation for using fire to clear land.

"A number of witnesses and experts have been questioned," Riau Police chief Brig. Gen. Condro Kirono said in Pekanbaru, Riau, on Wednesday as quoted by Antara news agency.

AP would be charged with violating laws on plantations and environment protection, Condro said.

Riau Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Hermansyah said police had already investigated more than 23 suspects charged with setting fire to forests in Riau in June and July, this year.

Most of the suspects were farmers, Hermansyah said.

Forest fires in Riau have caused problems not only in the province but also in neighboring countries.

Last week the police also arrested eight people for their alleged involvement in illegal logging in the Sumatra elephant conversion forest at Tesson Nilo National Park.

"They were caught red handed and their case is being investigated," Hermansyah said. (The Jakarta Post)