The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) has cleared the air surrounding what it described as inaccurate statements linking the palm oil industry in parts of Indonesia to the recurring haze situation in the region.

While admitting that satellite data had recorded hotspots within oil palm concessions, CPOPC executive director Yusof Basiron insisted that palm oil corporations and their subsidiaries should not be blamed for starting fires as a way to clear land.