KUCHING: Sarawak has recommended that the distribution of Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) funds be carried out transparently and equitably, taking into account forest cover area, management costs, as well as conservation efforts and environmental outcomes.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stated that this approach is vital to ensuring fund allocations reflect the actual requirements of each state in carrying out environmental conservation initiatives.

“Therefore, we recommend that the distribution of EFT incentive funds be made transparently and equitably based on factors such as forest cover area, management costs, conservation efforts, and environmental preservation outcomes,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Wednesday.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah added that the Sarawak Government welcomes the Federal Government's announcement of a RM270 million allocation for EFT funds under Budget 2027.

However, he noted that his ministry will continue to advocate for a larger share of EFT funding to meet the specific requirements and conservation priorities of protected areas in Sarawak. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Grace John Lee
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim