{
  "id": 13078182,
  "title": "2027 Budget: Govt raises ecological fiscal transfer fund to RM270mil",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/2027-budget-govt-raises-ecological-fiscal-transfer-fund-to-rm270mil",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T09:06:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1551610/2027-budget-govt-raises-ecological-fiscal-transfer-fund-rm270mil"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Malaysia's 2027 budget, the government has announced an increase in the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) fund to RM270 million. This represents an 8% rise from the RM250 million allocated in 2026, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The enhanced allocation aims to support states in preserving the country's natural heritage and boosting community-based economic activities and ecotourism. The RM20 million increase marks a significant step in environmental conservation efforts. The EFT fund has been providing financial incentives to state governments to protect biodiversity and ecologically important areas, with allocations growing from RM150 million in 2023 to RM200 million in 2024, RM250 million in 2025, and now RM270 million in 2027. Anwar emphasized that the increased funding will further bolster state-level conservation initiatives while offering opportunities for local communities to benefit from sustainable economic activities grounded in nature.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The government will increase the Ecological Fiscal Transfer (EFT) fund to RM270 million under 2027 Budget, up from RM250 million allocated in 2026, to support states in conserving the country's natural heritage.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}