Johor government denies JCorp links to Indonesian forest fires

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi has dismissed allegations linking Johor Corporation (JCorp) to forest and land fires in Indonesia, labeling the claims as false and unfounded. The denial follows reports from the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, which alleged that 21 firms connected to Malaysian business entities were involved in fires between January and September this year.

JCorp stated that it does not own or manage any plantations outside of Malaysia. The corporation clarified that its subsidiary, Kulim (M) Bhd, divested its interests in five Indonesian plantation companies in 2007, with details recorded in the 2008 annual report. Additionally, Kulim divested its entire equity interests in two other Indonesian entities on July 6, 2023.

Onn Hafiz, who also serves as JCorp chairman, emphasized that while transparency and accountability are important, demands must be based on credible evidence. He stated that the Johor government will continue to defend the integrity and reputation of the state-owned investment institution against the perception that it is involved in the fires.