Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry’s Achievements in 2024
Wildlife Protection Enforcement Activities
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) has reported an increase in wildlife protection enforcement activities, including efforts to protect the Harimau Malaya in 2024. The ministry has increased the number of community rangers to 1,924 people, involving a cost of RM60 million.
Ambitious Initiatives and Policy Changes
In addition to increased enforcement activities, NRES has also implemented ambitious initiatives and policy changes to support environmental conservation efforts. The ministry has amended the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Act 2024, increasing the maximum fine for environmental crimes from RM100,000 to RM10 million and introducing mandatory jail terms of up to five years for environmental criminals.
NRES has also gazetted about 350,000 hectares of land and ocean areas as new protected areas as of September last year, under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) incentive. This initiative aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
The ministry has introduced an initiative to help villagers and Orang Asli who have suffered property and crop losses due to wildlife attacks. As of September last year, 130 applicants have benefited from this initiative, receiving more than RM410,000 in assistance.
NRES has also successfully completed Malaysia’s greening programme, which aimed to plant 100 million trees. The 100 millionth tree was planted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NRES has had a productive year, achieving several milestones in environmental conservation and sustainability. The ministry’s efforts to increase wildlife protection enforcement activities, introduce policy changes, and promote conservation initiatives demonstrate its commitment to protecting Malaysia’s natural resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new fine amount for environmental crimes?
A: The new fine amount is RM10 million, up from RM100,000.
Q: What is the mandatory jail term for environmental criminals?
A: The mandatory jail term is up to five years.
Q: How many community rangers have been increased?
A: The number of community rangers has been increased to 1,924 people, involving a cost of RM60 million.
Q: What is the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) incentive?
A: The EFT incentive is a program aimed at promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems by gazetting protected areas.