NIBONG TEBAL, June 11 — The recent diesel price hike of RM1.20 per litre will not affect padi farmers as they will continue receiving subsidies, assured Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said ongoing diesel subsidies cover all padi farmers who use diesel, as the current registration process has caused some temporary confusion.
Mohamad emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring subsidies reach the intended recipients.
“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Finance Ministry are actively providing explanations on the diesel subsidy, with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan personally overseeing communication efforts,” he said after engaging with Penang farmers at the Tasek Area Farmers’ Organisation annual general meeting here today.
He was responding to reports that diesel price hike would burden farmers, especially those involved in padi cultivation in Peninsular Malaysia.
Bersatu Youth information chief Mohd Asyaraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir raised concerns about the matter, claiming the Budi Agri-Commodities programme seemed to overlook padi farmers by not thoroughly examining the subsidy mechanism, thus potentially oppressing them while benefiting capitalists.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said the engagement session today demonstrated his ministry’s commitment to making national food security more resilient and sustainable, including by enhancing the performance of the entire supply chain.
As part of these efforts, he said the ministry has allocated RM3.254 million for five ongoing projects in Penang via the Farmers’ Organisation Authority, benefiting 20,301 members across the state.
Mohamad expressed hope that the development budget would motivate farmers in Penang to continue playing a proactive role in advancing the agriculture and agro-food industry.
— Bernama
