PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change plans to propose the establishment of a compensation fund for farmers who suffer crop damage caused by wildlife. The ministry aims to include this proposal in Budget 2024 and will discuss it with the Finance Ministry in two weeks. Guidelines for the policy have already been prepared, and discussions have taken place with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry as well as the Plantations and Commodities Ministry.
Aside from compensation for injuries and death, the ministry is also considering compensation for damages to crops and property, including for the Orang Asli community. The objective of this initiative is to ensure the preservation of wildlife and forests by addressing human-wildlife conflict, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change. He made this announcement during the 12th Orang Asli Land Conference.
During a dialogue session with the Orang Asli community at the conference, Nik Nazmi responded to concerns about compensation for damages to crops cultivated on government reserve land. He stated that this matter would require careful examination to ensure compensation is provided to the appropriate parties. The proposal to extend compensation to crops and properties is still being studied.
In terms of releasing wildlife into forests near Orang Asli villages, Nik Nazmi explained that discussions would be held with the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) as soon as possible. Before any release takes place, dialogues between the Orang Asli Development Department and state governments must occur.
The 12th Orang Asli Land Conference brought together about 100 representatives from the Orang Asli community in Kelantan, Perak, Pahang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Selangor. The conference was organized by the non-governmental organization Orang Asli Network of Peninsular Malaysia (JKOASM) and the human rights group KOMAS Centre. – Bernama
Credit: The Star : News Feed
