Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has to prioritise access to international climate finance under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to strengthen forest protection and expand conservation mechanisms, an MP told the Dewan Rakyat here today. Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) emphasised the importance of carbon trading as a tool to generate conservation funds, noting that its implementation at the national level remains unclear.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tan urged the government to provide a detailed explanation on the status of carbon trading implementation. He expressed gratitude to a coalition of 10 civil society groups, including Greenpeace Malaysia, for producing a memorandum with five core suggestions. These suggestions align with the 13MP strategies on climate change management, biodiversity conservation, and funding a green economy.

The proposed suggestions include the creation of a national forest map agreed upon by all states and the establishment of a satellite forest monitoring centre. Furthermore, they advocate for empowering Orang Asli and local communities by granting them direct access to funds. Additional recommendations include forming a National Forest Finance Council and committing politically to join the Tropical Forest Forever Facility.