Farmers didn't get a sen from promised RM30m aid, claims Kedah rep

Summary

• Kota Siputeh assemblyperson Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir criticises the government for failing to deliver RM30 million in promised aid to paddy farmers, despite assurances that half would be disbursed in time for Ramadan.

• He highlighted farmers’ growing frustration, also citing dissatisfaction over the government’s refusal to raise the paddy floor price to RM1,800 per tonne.

Kedah’s Kota Siputeh assemblyperson Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir has urged the government to fulfil its promise to channel RM30 million in aid for paddy farmers.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had announced the RM30 million contribution from Padi Beras Nasional Berhad (Bernas) in February, with half the money to be disbursed earlier to help with preparations for Ramadan and Syawal.

Despite Ramadan having passed and today being the fifth day of Syawal, Ashraf claimed farmers have yet to receive a single sen.

“To date, paddy farmers have yet to receive the assistance, causing disappointment and dissatisfaction amongst them.

“Therefore, I urge the government to act immediately to ensure the assistance is channelled transparently, just as other promised assistance that was provided on time to protect the livelihood of paddy farmers,” the Bersatu leader said in a statement today.

He noted that the failure to disburse the money came after the government failed to set the minimum price for paddy at RM1,800 per tonne.

“Yet, the failure to protect paddy farmers did not stop there,” he lamented.

Over 200 farmers from across the country had protested outside the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry office in Putrajaya in January to oppose the proposed Plant Seed Quality Bill and call for the floor price for paddy to be increased from RM1,300 per tonne to RM1,800.

The group argued that the price set in 2023 is outdated and no longer reflects current economic realities, particularly the rising costs of diesel and seeds.

However, its minister, Mohamad Sabu, announced a floor price of only RM1,500 per tonne on Feb 13.

On the same day, Anwar said Bernas, which holds a monopoly on rice imports, will channel RM30 million to help struggling paddy farmers.

Anwar later said on Feb 28 that RM15 million of that sum will be disbursed first to help with preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, and Aidilfitri celebrations during Syawal.

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