IPOH: Efforts to protect Malaysia’s rich flora and fauna, and to promote sustainable living, will continue under new budget measures focusing on conservation, renewable energy and community involvement.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said an allocation of RM250mil has been set aside under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) Fund to support conservation of the nation’s natural heritage.
“Of this, RM50mil will be channelled directly as revenue to state governments.
“To strengthen forest protection, RM80mil has been allocated to deploy 2,500 community rangers, including over 1,000 Orang Asli and nearly 700 veterans.
“They will be equipped with patrol gear to safeguard endangered species such as the Malayan tiger, Orang Utan and Banteng,” he said in his Budget 2026 speech on Friday (Oct 10).
Anwar said the government would also allocate RM300mil to restore, maintain and clean rivers, with RM10mil dedicated to the National River Trail initiative to create recreational pathways and encourage community participation in river conservation.
Meanwhile, he said rare earth resource mapping would continue with an allocation of RM10 million, as the Government focuses on developing downstream activities through international joint ventures led by Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
“To support a sustainable lifestyle, rebates for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances for consumers and businesses will continue with RM20mil in funding.
“The individual income tax relief of RM2,500 will also be expanded to include purchases of food waste shredding machines, aimed at encouraging households and traders to adopt eco-friendly practices.
