KOTA BHARU, Jan 9 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) has allocated RM50 million from the Agricultural Disaster Fund to compensate up to 50 per cent of the losses incurred by farmers, breeders, and fishermen affected by the floods.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that based on the initial reports received, Kelantan’s agro-food sector incurred over RM20 million in estimated total losses, involving 1,875 individuals.
“The severely affected areas include Tumpat, Kota Bharu, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Tanah Merah, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Jeli, Kuala Krai, and Gua Musang,” he said.
Mohamad was speaking to the press after the Kelantan Sentuhan Agro Madani programme today, which was also attended by Agrobank president cum chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin.
Earlier, he presented food baskets to over 200 farmers, breeders, and fishermen who were affected by the recent floods.
Elaborating, Mohamad said MAFS’ initiatives are crucial in aiding flood-affected target groups to recover, contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s agriculture and agri-food sector.
The scope of food security is not solely under MAFS’ responsibility but also involves the collective effort of all parties in line with the ‘Food Security Is a Shared Responsibility’ concept.
“To strengthen food security further, a total of RM400 million has been allocated under Budget 2024 to implement various specific initiatives, focusing on increasing domestic production and self-sufficiency rates of key food commodities.
“Of this amount, RM150 million is allocated for collaboration with state governments to optimise land use for improving crop and livestock yields.
“One of MAFS’ long-term goals is to enhance irrigation and drainage infrastructure in non-padi cultivation areas, aiming to enable crops to be cultivated twice a year,” he said, adding that cooperation and support from state governments is crucial for this initiative.
— Bernama
