Pekanbaru, Riau province (ANTARA News) - The Riau province police announced here on Saturday that they had detained a Malaysian national who is being investigated for his alleged involvement in starting a forest fire in Riau earlier this year.

The forest fire caused thick smoke that covered most of Riau province and some areas in neighboring countries, including Singapore and Malaysia. According to police, the deliberate forest fire was masterminded by officials of corporations who wanted to open new plantations in Riau.

Spokesman to Riau Police Office Adjunct Senior Commissioner Guntur Aryo Tejo said the suspect, with the initial DK, is a high ranking official at PT Adei Plantation, which is connected to Malaysia-based Holding Company Kehpong Berhard.

The police investigation is continuing and more suspects could be questioned in the forest fire case, said officials.

Earlier, police announced the name of the suspect in the forest fire case in Riau province that cost billions of Rupiahs in losses to the state. Police also named ten corporations they claim masterminded the forest fire, including some foreign-owned companies.


(EDITED BY INE)
Reporting by Fazar Muhardi
Translating and Editing by Amie Fenia Arimbi
(A051/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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