PUTRAJAYA, April 17 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (MAFS) welcomes the state government’s initiative to introduce the Selangor Resilience Enhancement Package, which involves an allocation of RM131 million, to address current challenges, especially the impact of the global energy crisis on production costs in the agro-food sector.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the state government’s commitment reflected the collective approach needed in the current situation.
“A comprehensive approach involving close cooperation between the Federal and state governments is essential to ensure that assistance can be delivered more efficiently and comprehensively.
“The ministry appreciates the Selangor government’s commitment to allocate RM25 million for the agricultural sector, which is expected to benefit more than 17,000 padi farmers, fishermen, breeders and aquaculture entrepreneurs in the state,” he said in a statement today.
Mohamad added that the move aligns with and complements various Federal government initiatives through MAFS to assist target groups nationwide.
This included raising the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers to up to RM300 per hectare, providing BUDI Agri-Commodity cash assistance of up to RM400 per month for farmers and smallholders, and implementing targeted diesel subsidies for the agro-food sector.
“This synergy will not only strengthen the resilience of the country’s food supply chain, but also ensure the stability of food supply from production to the consumer,” he said.
In this regard, MAFS welcomes more state governments to come forward and take proactive steps in assisting target groups in the agro-food sector.
Mohamad noted that a collaborative approach is crucial to ensuring industry players remain resilient and safeguarding the country’s food security.
The minister is optimistic that combined efforts between the Federal and state governments would have a significant impact in safeguarding the welfare of agro-food industry players and ensuring that the country’s food security would continue to be safeguarded.
Previously, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said that RM131 million had been allocated for the first phase of the package, which would commence in June following the state government’s annual budget review and the implementation of several cost-saving measures.
It aims to strengthen food security, reduce the cost of living, curb excessive inflation, encourage the use of public transport, and provide targeted assistance to the most affected groups.
