NGOs call for higher budget to fund conservation projects

NGOs are calling on the Federal Government to prioritize environmental conservation for Budget 2024.

The president of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Vincent Chow, said that previous national budgets had not allocated enough funds for environmental projects.

“We want the government to fully commit to protecting the country’s environment,” he said.

Chow emphasized the importance of protecting Malaysia’s rich biodiversity for both current and future generations.

He suggested that the amount allocated under Budget 2024 should be specific to the needs of environmental protection.

A mattress, among items found on the shore at Pulau Merambong.

“Many studies have been conducted and money spent over the years, but no improvement has been made,” lamented Chow.

He highlighted the Sungai Skudai rehabilitation and rejuvenation studies in Johor, which have repeatedly shown no progress.

“Taxpayers have a right to know where their money went, and in this case, the Johor government is answerable,” he added.

Chow also urged the federal government to address deforestation, which has negatively impacted the population of the critically endangered Malayan tiger.

Chow wants the Federal Government to look at deforestation in the country.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Malayan tiger as critically endangered since 2015.

“There are only about 200 Malayan tigers in the wild in Malaysia, and efforts must be made to increase their population,” he said, noting their presence in the Endau-Rompin National Park in Johor.

Chow mentioned the collaboration between MNS and the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) on a tiger conservation project, emphasizing the need for a larger allocation for the department under Budget 2024.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Serina Rahman, principal advisor of Kelab Alami, suggested that the government allocate funds directly to environmental NGOs with proven track records.

“Give the money directly to the NGOs that can produce results on the ground,” she said.

Serina also highlighted the financial constraints faced by most NGOs, emphasizing that funds are difficult to come by.

Serina says funds should be given to environmental NGOs with a proven track record.

Serina mentioned that Kelab Alami requires about RM15,000 monthly to support its employees and conduct clean-up activities on Pulau Merambong, an island frequented by Orang Seletar and Gelang Patah fishermen.

She also highlighted the amount of marine debris collected during recent clean-ups, including a refrigerator and a mattress.

Budget 2024 will be presented in Parliament on Friday, Oct 13. — By ZAZALI MUSA