THE Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will fully utilise its Budget 2026 allocation to address the escalating challenges of climate change, says Acting Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
He warned that extreme weather events such as floods and droughts have become more frequent and pose a serious threat not only to the environment but also to national development and public wellbeing.
“We are now facing the reality of climate change, and if we do not take decisive steps to manage it, it will compromise our country’s growth,” said Johari, who is also the Member of Parliament for Titiwangsa.
Speaking at a community event in Datuk Keramat, he cited floods and droughts as direct consequences of shifting climate patterns that must be urgently addressed through sustainable and proactive policy measures.
“It is vital that the public also plays its part in safeguarding the environment. We will use the Budget 2026 allocation to implement programmes that target these issues,” he added.
In the federal budget presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday, the government earmarked RM630 million for environmental and biodiversity protection.
Of that, RM250 million has been allocated under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) for Biodiversity Conservation, a mechanism designed to support state governments in preserving natural resources. An additional RM50 million under the EFT will be provided as direct revenue to state authorities.
Furthermore, RM300 million will go towards river rehabilitation and maintenance, with RM10 million allocated to the National River Trail (*Denai Sungai Kebangsaan*) initiative. The programme aims to create recreational paths while encouraging community stewardship of river ecosystems.
Johari emphasised that the ministry would ensure the funds are channelled effectively into initiatives that strengthen Malaysia’s environmental resilience and reduce the long-term risks of climate-related disasters. - October11, 2025
