KUCHING – Smallholders in Johor’s commodity industry will receive assistance to replace equipment damaged or lost due to the state’s floods, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also plantation and commodities minister, advised nationwide players in the commodity industry to be prepared for risks due to climate change and the current unpredictable weather.
“At the agency level under the ministry, we will work with large industrial companies to hold corporate social responsibility programmes and help smallholders get new farming equipment,” he told reporters after attending the Petra Jaya Community Fire Brigade Carnival 2023 here, today.
Emphasising the management aspects of good agricultural practices, he also said that the government is identifying other forms of assistance to ensure that any affected smallholders can continue their farming activities after the floods.
Recently, Bernama reported that the agricultural commodity sector, including palm oil, is facing risks this year as the changing weather conditions can destroy crops within two days.
Regarding the flood situation in the country, Johor still recorded the highest number of evacuees as of 8am today, with 44,937 victims placed in temporary relief centres, followed by Melaka with 380 people and Pahang with 172. – Bernama, March 11, 2023
