SHAH ALAM, April 15 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) is confident measures announced by the Finance Ministry (MOF) to assist farmers, smallholders and diesel users will boost the nation’s food security amid global uncertainties.
In a statement today, it said these proactive initiatives are crucial and timely in light of the energy crisis caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict, which has significantly affected food production costs and supply chains.
“The ministry is confident that the measures announced will have a positive impact on the productivity of the agri-food sector and strengthen national food security in both the short and long term.
“MAFS will continue to work closely with all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of these initiatives and the achievement of their intended goals,” it said.
Yesterday, MOF said in a statement that the government would enhance diesel subsidy by increasing the monthly cash aid for BUDI Agri-Commodity and BUDI Diesel (Individual) from RM300 to RM400 for this month, which will be disbursed on April 21.
“BUDI Agri-Commodity is expected to benefit more than 200,000 farmers and smallholders, with additional funding of approximately RM20 million per month, while BUDI Diesel (Individual) is expected to benefit around 150,000 individual diesel vehicle owners in Peninsular Malaysia, with additional funding of approximately RM15 million per month.
The government also agreed to increase the rate of the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) from RM160 to RM300 per hectare for this year’s planting season, involving RM40 million in additional funding and benefiting nearly 200,000 paddy farmers,” read the MOF statement.
MAFS meanwhile said the increased IPKP demonstrates the government’s commitment to assisting the country’s padi and rice sector.
It also expressed appreciation for the increase in cash aid for the BUDI Agri-Commodity and BUDI Diesel (Individual) initiatives, which it said would alleviate the impact of rising fuel costs and ensure the continued agricultural activity and food production.
“The government’s move to ease diesel purchase requirements for agricultural machinery is a pragmatic approach that will enable agri-food operators to operate more efficiently without unnecessary bureaucratic constraints.
“MAFS remains committed to supporting the Madani Government’s agenda of boosting the country’s agriculture sector for the people’s well-being and nation’s development,” read the statement.
