KUALA LUMPUR – The RM10 million aid for padi farmers promised by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government will be distributed in stages by January 16, beginning with those in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said the funds are from Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), which will also channel another RM50 million to rice farmers in other states at a later time.
“The RM10 million is for 2022 and will be channelled in stages to farmers in the three states on the east coast latest by January 16,” he said in a statement today.
The ministry is also finalising the names and bank account numbers of farmers in these states to ensure the funds are distributed smoothly.
“20,598 farmers will benefit from this contribution from Bernas amounting to RM250 for every farmer,” Mohamad added.
Anwar pledged RM60 million in assistance for rice farmers nationwide on December 5 as part of initial measures to dismantle Bernas’ longstanding monopoly of the rice industry.
He said he had discussed the special financial assistance with Bernas’ main shareholder Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary as part of immediate steps to help padi farmers.
Anwar said Syed Mokhtar had agreed to disburse RM10 million before the end of this year and RM50 million next year.
The aid is meant to assist small padi farmers, who have said they are on the losing end due to Bernas’ monopoly on rice imports, purchasing, processing, export, and distribution. – The Vibes, December 31, 2022
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