KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The government will assess whether to provide targeted assistance to paddy farmers whose yields declined due to delays in fertiliser supplies, evaluating affected cases on a case-by-case basis.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the assessment would identify farmers who genuinely suffered losses before considering any assistance.
“We will study and discuss the issue of losses so that, if funds are available, assistance can be channelled in a targeted manner rather than universally. We are looking at those who experienced yield declines and will assess the situation on a case-by-case basis in affected areas,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Sabri Azit (PN-Jerai) on the possibility of providing incentives to padi affected by delays in fertiliser supplies.
Mohamad said he had taken proactive steps by meeting the management of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) to seek an explanation for the delays.
He added that he had also obtained information from the relevant officials before proposing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Finance Minister, that the services of suppliers who failed to fulfil their obligations be terminated.
In a separate development, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari said 10 per cent of the funds collected through the Warriors’ Fund Campaign (KTP) had been allocated for investment in fixed deposits with financial institutions.
He said the strategy was aimed at generating returns to grow the fund and support assistance and welfare programmes for veterans and their dependants in need.
“As of September 22, RM1.51 million had been placed in a fixed deposit with Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd at a profit rate of 3.6 per cent, maturing on March 15, 2027.
“In addition, KTP has received an allocation of RM2 million from the Finance Ministry, and approval is pending to place the funds in a new fixed deposit to generate additional returns,” he said.
Adly was responding to a question from Nordin Ahmad Ismail (PN-Lumut) on the strategic direction of the Warriors’ Fund (Tabung Pahlawan) transformation, particularly efforts to move away from reliance on seasonal public contributions towards a sustainable fundraising model driven by strategic investments or corporate partnerships. — Bernama