THE government will advance the payment of Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) of RM200 to 240,000 registered paddy farmers as part of a special assistance effort to ease the burden on this group.
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the move was part of the special assistance for paddy farmers, which had previously been increased from RM160 to RM300 per hectare, as announced last April.
The advance is intended to help farmers cover initial costs, especially for machinery rental and tillage work, following the increase in production costs influenced by the West Asian conflict.
“Among paddy farmers, the complaints have been heard. We have increased the special incentive assistance on April 14, which was announced by the Minister of Agriculture (Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, from RM160 to RM300 per hectare to help paddy farmers following the increase in the price of commercial diesel.
“The Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting just now agreed to pay an advance payment, which is the special rate because the ploughing machine rental and program must continue, which requires capital.
“Therefore, we think that we should give an advance payment of RM200 so that they can carry out paddy planting activities. There are financial implications of RM48 million that we have approved, and it will benefit 240,000 registered paddy farmers,” he said.
He said this at the Global Supply Crisis Media Conference broadcast today.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said that apart from financial assistance, the government has also ordered immediate cloud seeding measures to address the problem of water shortages due to the longer-than-usual dry season, especially in the northern part of the Peninsula.
He said that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) has been instructed to increase cloud seeding operations in affected areas, in addition to requesting the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, which has the relevant capabilities, to continue relief efforts over the next few days.
According to the Prime Minister, the measure is important to help ensure sufficient water supply for agricultural use, especially rice fields, thus supporting the continuity of planting activities and the security of the country's food supply.
MARA, UDA to lower rental rates
On another matter, Anwar said all Federal Government agencies, such as MARA and the Urban Development Corporation (UDA), that manage business premises have been directed to reduce rental rates effective this month.
He said the Federal Government hopes that local authorities (PBT) and state governments will also follow suit, such as the commitment expressed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari.
“Most of these shops are owned by government companies or government agencies such as MARA and UDA. Starting now, they will reduce the rental rates at all their business premises, and this will be announced by the districts in the near future.
“I would like to call on all local authorities in the states to reduce rental rates starting this month
“Of course, this is the jurisdiction of the PBT and other State Governments, and I would like to urge them to reduce the rates immediately,” he said.
Nationwide weekly Rahmah sales expanded to 30,000 locations
Anwar also announced that the government is set to significantly broaden its subsidised retail programme, with weekly Rahmah sales to be conducted across all state constituencies and extended to 30,000 locations nationwide in a concerted effort to ease rising living costs.
The prime minister said the Programme Jualan Rahmah MADANI would be intensified in both scale and frequency, ensuring consistent access to essential goods at reduced prices as the country navigates ongoing global supply challenges.
The initiative will operate on a fixed weekly schedule in every state constituency, providing consumers with greater certainty over where and when they can obtain essential items at discounted rates.
Offering selected goods at between five and 30 per cent below market prices, the programme forms a central pillar of the government’s broader strategy to contain inflation and protect household purchasing power.
Anwar said the expansion would prioritise inclusivity, with increased efforts to extend the programme into rural and village areas alongside urban centres.
“We also emphasise that the Rahmah sales programme should be held not only in suburban areas, but also in selected rural areas and villages,” he added. - May 5, 2026
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