A viral video showing what appears to be a burnt forest area has sparked heated reactions online, but some of the strongest criticism did not come from Malaysians.
Instead, several Indonesian netizens stepped forward to express their own frustration over the situation, with one even apologising directly to Malaysians.
Please forgive us, Malaysians. We are angry too. We are also affected by what they do.”
The reaction came after footage circulated online showing a badly burnt forest area, with claims that the land could later be used for oil palm cultivation.
However, the exact location of the footage, cause of the fire and intended use of the land have yet to be independently verified.
‘We are disappointed too’
In one of the comments that caught attention, an Indonesian netizen asked Malaysians not to blame ordinary Indonesians for what was allegedly happening.
The commenter said locals who did not support such actions were also affected by their consequences.
Another Indonesian user took an even more emotional approach, apologising to the earth for what they described as human carelessness and poor decision making.
Indonesians question alleged oil palm connection
Other Indonesian netizens also questioned claims that the burnt area could eventually be turned into an oil palm plantation.
View on Threads
One commenter said that if it was proven that the forest had been deliberately burnt for such a purpose, the environmental impact should not be treated as merely a domestic issue.
The netizen suggested that Malaysia should consider bringing the matter to an international court if neighbouring countries were being affected.
Another commenter questioned the possibility of public money and assistance from neighbouring nations being used to tackle forest fires, only for the affected land to eventually become commercial plantation land.
It was allegedly burnt, extinguished using public funds and with help from neighbouring countries, then suddenly it becomes oil palm land.”
These claims remain speculation from social media users, and there is currently no confirmation that the fire shown in the viral footage was deliberately started to clear land for oil palm.
M’sians frustrated over recurring haze
Malaysian netizens also reacted strongly to the footage, with some linking it to the recurring haze experienced in the region.
One commenter said the video made them question why forest fires appeared to happen repeatedly.
Another Malaysian netizen questioned why the land appeared to be planted without first being properly cleared and prepared.
The commenter alleged that burning the area could have been a way to avoid higher land clearing costs.
For now, what has stood out most from the discussion is that frustration appears to exist on both sides of the border.
While Malaysians expressed concerns over haze and its impact, several Indonesians also made it clear that ordinary citizens there were frustrated with the situation and did not want to be seen as supporting actions that could harm the environment or neighbouring countries.
