OVER 44,000 MADA RICE FARMERS RECEIVE SPECIAL CASH ASSISTANCE PHASE 2

JERLUN, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- A total of 44,139 rice farmers under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) will receive Phase 2 of the Special Cash Assistance (BKST) for 2024, involving a total allocation of over RM26.48 million, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

He said eligible farmers will each receive RM200 monthly for three months or one planting season.

"We hope this assistance can help ease the burden of rice farmers facing the impacts of unpredictable weather... this climate change is experienced by our country and developed nations.

"However, in countries like the United States, they have advanced technology in terms of early warnings... we also have early warnings, for example, the second wave of floods expected to occur from Dec 9 to 14. While heavy rain did fall in the north and East Coast, it was not as severe as before," he told reporters after attending the Ihsan MADANI programme - Distribution of Phase 2 BKST for 2024, here today.

At the event, 250 rice farmers from the Farmers' Organisation Authority (PPK) in Kerpan, Kubang Sepat, Jerlun, and Kuala Sungai received the BKST. The assistance for other eligible farmers will be deposited into their bank accounts starting next week.

Meanwhile, Mohamad said that 4,854 MADA rice farmers affected by the flood disaster in the Muda area, involving an area of 5,976 hectares in September and October, will receive aid from the Paddy Crop Disaster Fund, totalling over RM10.48 million.

Mohamad also advised rice farmers, particularly in the MADA area, to register for the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme introduced to protect farmers from the risks of crop damage due to disasters, diseases, and pests.

"Farmers who register will receive assistance directly from Agrobank. The initial contribution is made by the bank, and farmers only need to register through the PPK and Agrobank branches," he said, adding that so far, about 20 per cent of MADA farmers have registered for the scheme.

--BERNAMA