Pahang: The Pahang government is set to engage in discussions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) next week, focusing on the management and export of river sand within the state. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail emphasized the importance of these discussions for safeguarding state interests, ensuring the well-being of the populace, and optimizing state revenue.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Menteri Besar highlighted the need to view the issue beyond commercial profit, incorporating aspects such as environmental management, flood mitigation, industrial sustainability, economic opportunities, and state revenue sources. He made these remarks during his winding-up speech at the Pahang State Legislative Assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang.
Pahang has received allocations from NRES under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) initiative to aid in the conservation of protected areas and sustainable biodiversity management. For the period of 2023-2026, the allocated EFT funds for Taman Negara Pahang are estimated at RM5 million, which will be used for facility repairs, conservation, and management programmes to preserve protected areas and biodiversity.
From 2020 to 2025, the federal government has provided approximately RM30.5 million for the operations and administration of the national park. Allocations amounting to RM9.57 million have been designated for infrastructure upgrades, facility maintenance, and tourism and conservation development, reflecting the federal government's commitment to preserving Taman Negara Pahang effectively and sustainably.
In light of the global energy crisis, Wan Rosdy mentioned that the state government has introduced several initiatives, including a Work From Home policy and the Pahang Bakti Negeri Programme, which provides food baskets to those in need. Additionally, Pahang State Assistance vouchers valued at RM50 each have been distributed to underprivileged groups for purchasing basic necessities at participating supermarkets across the state.