Kuala Lumpur:The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Ministry has put forward a proposal for Budget 2027, highlighting the use of drones for cloud seeding and comprehensive mapping of rare earth deposits.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasized the necessity of adopting drone technology for cloud seeding in response to frequent haze and dry spells attributed to climate change. This shift aims to reduce reliance on costly military resources, as the Royal Malaysian Air Force assets have been traditionally used for cloud seeding operations.
At a Concorde Club dialogue session titled 'Building A Resilient Malaysia: Environment, Climate And Our Future,' Minister Arthur detailed the financial burden of traditional cloud seeding, which costs upwards of RM100,000 per operation due to rising fuel prices. The operations currently have a success rate of 50 to 70 percent, contingent on various environmental factors.
The minister also addressed the need for federal funding to map rare earth elements accurately. This initiative is crucial for attracting foreign investment and facilitating technology transfer negotiations. Clarifying the locations of these deposits is essential for moving forward with economic development plans.
Additionally, the ministry is seeking increased allocations for the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation to support state governments in conservation efforts, wildlife corridor creation, and reforestation.
Arthur warned of worsening haze and dry weather conditions, predicted to last until mid-2027 due to the Super El Nino phenomenon. The anticipated weather could result in the hottest and driest period on record, leading to increased economic costs.
To address these challenges, the government has initiated a multi-ministry approach to evaluate the financial impacts of extreme weather, including higher energy costs and significant agricultural losses due to reduced yields and necessary interventions during the extended dry spell.
Budget 2027 is set to be presented in Parliament by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday.