The EFT allows federal funds to be provided to states that protect forests by stopping logging and replanting logged areas.

Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the allocation criteria will be improved, depending on the state’s spending performance, Bernama reported.

“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.

Nik Nazmi said 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 degazetted permanent forest reserves.

He also highlighted the RM80 million allocated under the biodiversity protection and patrolling programme and smart patrol for permanent forest reserves in the Central Forest Spine region.

He said this demonstrated the government’s recognition of the important role played by these patrol teams.

Nik Nazmi said community rangers played a crucial role in preserving the nation’s biodiversity by combating smuggling, land encroachment, illegal logging and wildlife poaching.

He said that out of the RM80 million allocation, RM27 million is for the armed forces and police veterans, RM33 million for community rangers in Sabah and Sarawak and RM20 million for the Orang Asli community.

Tabling the 2025 budget yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim 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 2,000.