By Najamuddin Mohd Nor
SHAH ALAM, July 20 — The assistance provided by the state and Federal governments has managed to ease the burden of paddy farmers in the Sungai Panjang state constituency during periods of uncertain rice yields.
Its incumbent state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Imran Tamrin said alongside the various state government initiatives, the recent announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is indicative the authorities continue to look after the welfare of padi farmers.
“I thank the Federal and state governments for their continued concern for the fate of rural communities, especially paddy farmers in the Sungai Panjang state constituency.
“Recently, the Federal government’s RM3.9 million in assistance funds demonstrates their concern for paddy farmers in Selangor’s rice fields, by aiming to enhance their competitiveness and increase rice production.
“All of these aids undoubtedly alleviates their burden and ensures their livelihood,” he told SelangorKini yesterday.
On Tuesday (July 18), Anwar announced the special cash assistance for approximately 6,511 paddy farmers, during the launch of the state-level Sentuhan Agro Madani programme in Sekinchan.
Budget 2023 allocates a special cash contribution of RM300 per month for fishermen, and RM200 per month for paddy farmers, for a period of three months per season.
Mohd Imran also commended the state government led by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shaari for its swift action in providing immediate assistance to paddy farmers during natural disasters.
“In two instances, Sungai Panjang paddy farmers were hit by floods and storms which damaged their rice crops. Fortunately, the state government’s immediate assistance eased their burden at the time.
“I would also like to express my gratitude for the previous cash assistance of RM300 and the RM200 agricultural inputs provided to the paddy farmers,” he said.
