Ministers in charge of the environment, energy and natural resources have lauded the RM5.6bil budget allocation for the protection of natural resources and wildlife, especially the RM70mil for biodiversity conservation. The RM3.56bil allocation for the Environment and Water Ministry reflected the government’s seriousness in tackling issues plaguing the sector. Its minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said they could implement programmes promoting water and environment sustainability, and take punitive action against environmental criminals. With the RM20mil allocation, roles played by government-linked companies and civil society could be enhanced to promote Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (Cepa) programmes. Tuan Ibrahim noted that the Finance Minister had also proposed Malaysia’s first Sustainability Bond. “The ministry will collaborate with Bank Negara and the Securities Commission to spearhead the green initiative and help attract investments,” he said. Tuan Ibrahim and his counterpart in the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, both agreed that the additional RM70mil in Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) incentive to state governments would indirectly help protect water catchments. Shamsul said in a statement on Friday that the EFT for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT) incentivised state governments to implement projects related to biodiversity sustainability.

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