Malaysia will maintain its target of keeping at least 50% of national land area as forest cover under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
According to a report by The Malaysian Reserve, he decision was confirmed at the 82nd National Land Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The benefits must remain balanced between economic needs, social priorities and environmental protection,” he said.
The report quoted the prime minister as saying that the meeting focused on improving land rules so they are more inclusive and better protect public interest, while calling for closer cooperation between federal and state authorities to speed up land approvals for development.
“It is to quicken land approvals for development without disrupting existing procedures and while respecting state authority,” he said.
Anwar said the government will continue to prioritise balanced development that meets human needs while safeguarding environmental sustainability, in line with sustainability as one of the core pillars of the Madani concept.
