KUALA LUMPUR: The Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT) to state governments will be increased to RM150 million from last year's RM70 million.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the distribution of EFT to state governments would take into account the gazetting of the new protected areas, including tiger habitats and increased replanting of trees in affected areas.
"The government is determined to protect the country's natural resources to ensure a greener future for all.
"This includes preserving biodiversity and forest management, which at the same time reduces the state government's dependance on profits from timber," he told the Dewan Rakyat during the 2023 Budget tabling here, today.
Anwar also announced an allocation of RM38 million for the conservation of wildlife, such as tigers and elephants.
"The government will increase the number of forest rangers to 1,500 by prioritising indigenous communities and police and military veterans, with an allocation of RM50 million.