PUTRAJAYA, 8 Nov 2017:
A sum of RM9.3 million has been allocated as replanting aid for padi farmers affected by floods in Penang and Kedah.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek yesterday said – based on initial estimates – about 10,516.73ha of padi farms in Penang and Kedah were affected by floods involving 5,941 farmers.
Of the total, 9,680.82ha with 5,547 farmers were in Penang while 835.91ha involving 394 farmers were in Kedah.
To lighten the burden of padi farmers, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry (MOA) – through its disaster committee comprising members from Agriculture Department and the Integrated Agricultural Development Area – is evaluating the actual number of farmers involved, he said.
“MOA will provide replanting assistance when the committee has finalised its evaluation,” he said in a statement yesterday.
In KUALA LUMPUR, the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP) has identified 21,900 padi farmers, cage fish breeders and other farmers in Kedah and Penang being affected by the floods.
LPP chairman, Tan Sri Zainal Dahalan said however the amount of losses were still being evaluated while a survey would be conducted to ascertain the actual number of farmers involved.
“In Penang, we have 20,400 LPP members located in Seberang Perai and Butterworth while in Kedah, 1,500 members in Kuala Muda, Merbok, Padang Serai and Karangan were affected.”
– Bernama