Distribution Of RM250 Mln EFT Allocation Will Consider Various Factors - Nik Nazmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- The distribution of the RM250 million Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) allocation in Budget 2025 to states will consider various factors, including efforts by state governments to enhance forest conservation and preservation.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said the allocation criteria will be improved, with 50 percent of the funds depending on the state's spending performance, compared to 30 percent currently.

This, he explained, aligns with what was stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2025 in Parliament yesterday.

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"We will consider several factors, including the size of forests in each state and specific steps taken by the state governments to improve forest conservation and preservation.

"In the past, the focus was more on the quantity and size of forests, but now we are emphasising quality—what concrete actions they are taking," he told reporters after launching the Malaysia Greening Carnival and KL Green Symphony 2024 programme here today.

He explained that the distribution of funds will also take into account the state governments’ compliance with the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022, particularly concerning the replacement of de-gazetted Permanent Forest Reserves.

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Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi highlighted that the RM80 million allocated under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme and Smart Patrol for Permanent Forest Reserves within the Central Forest Spine demonstrates the government's recognition of these patrol teams.

He emphasised that community rangers play a crucial role in preserving the nation's biodiversity by combating smuggling, land encroachment, illegal logging, and wildlife poaching. 

Nik Nazmi said out of the RM80 million, RM27 million is allocated to the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police veterans, RM33 million to community rangers in Sabah and Sarawak, and RM20 million to the Orang Asli community.

Yesterday, during the tabling of Budget 2025, Anwar announced an increase in the EFT funding from RM200 million to RM250 million to support forest and wildlife protection efforts.

The number of Orang Asli community rangers will also be increased to 2,500 from the previous 2,000, with an allocation of RM80 million.

-- BERNAMA