PETALING JAYA: The increase in allocation for the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) underlines the government's emphasis on environmental sustainability, says Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.
The NRES Minister said the increase of 4.8% in allocation, to RM2.51bil, compared to last year, would continue to support the ministry's work in strengthening the management of natural resources, preserving biodiversity and ensuring environmental sustainability remains an important part of the nation-building agenda.
In an effort to conserve forests and biodiversity, the allocation for the ecological fiscal transfer for biodiversity conservation received an increase of RM20mil, which he said reflects the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in protecting the country's biodiversity heritage.
The Assistance for Property and Crop Losses Due to Wildlife Attacks (BKHT) also saw a boost in funding, from RM1.5mil to RM1.8mil.
"This assistance is among the efforts to help lessen the burden of losses that the people have to face due to the conflict between humans and wildlife," he said.
Another RM65mil will be channelled to benefit around 2,500 community rangers from the Orang Asli tribes, army veterans and police retirees who help protect the country's biodiversity.
"This allocation includes building and maintaining ranger posts for patrolling purposes," Arthur said.
The country's sustainability agenda is also strengthened through the extension and improvement of the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) up to Dec 31, 2030.
"Through this incentive, companies that invest in green technology assets that meet specified eligibility criteria - such as energy-efficient equipment and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for self-use - are eligible for a tax allowance of up to 100%.
"This measure is reinforced by a RM15bil investment from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for the National Grid, a RM1bil investment by UEM LESTRA in hybrid energy and energy storage projects, the establishment of a RM1bil KWAP Climate Fund, and the development of the Pengerang Biorefinery for the production of low-carbon fuels such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)," said the minister.
Sustainability efforts are also being expanded through various ministries and local authorities to preserve the ecosystem, he added.
These efforts include an allocation of RM15mil from the palm oil industry's cess fund for the conservation of endangered species such as the Malayan tiger and elephants.
Meanwhile, at the municipal level, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has allocated RM400mil to develop 120 acres of new green spaces, while also gazetting 100 acres of land in Bukit Kiara as a federal park.
As for marine ecosystems, an initiative to buy back old fishing nets has been introduced to prevent them from posing a threat to marine life, with Arthur adding that this will be complemented by upgrades to public sewerage systems on major resort islands such as Langkawi, Redang and Tioman.
"The ministry will continue its efforts to ensure that biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and the management of natural resources and the environment contribute to sustainable, inclusive and balanced national development, in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration of building a more prosperous future while preserving the environment," he said.
