PERLIS FARMERS INCUR ESTIMATED RM42.6 MLN IN FLOOD LOSSES

KANGAR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Floods that struck Perlis on Nov 23 have impacted a total of 9,393 farmers, including padi planters, according to the state government.

Preliminary cumulative data from Nov 24 to Dec 2 estimates that the agricultural sector has suffered losses exceeding RM42.6 million.

 State Committee for Agriculture, Plantations and Consumer Affairs chairman Razali Saad said that padi crops accounted for the vast majority of the damage, estimated at RM41.04 million, affecting 14,785.56 hectares.

The next most significant loss was to Harumanis mango crops, which sustained RM1.17 million in damage across 78.03 hectares.

"Other affected sectors include vegetables, plantation and industrial crops, mushrooms, and agro-based industries, with combined losses of RM480,950. Agrotourism sector losses are still under assessment," Razali told reporters today. 

He advised all affected farmers to ensure their aid claim documentation is complete and submitted promptly to expedite the process.

Eligible farmers can apply for assistance through several schemes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, including the Padi Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP), the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), and the Agricultural Disaster Fund (TBP), administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM).

Applications are to be made through local District Agriculture Offices and Area Farmers' Organisations (PPK). The final assessment of losses will be carried out by a Technical Assessment Committee appointed by the Department of Agriculture.

-- BERNAMA