Kuala Lumpur: The mechanism for distributing ploughing and harvesting incentives to padi farmers will be finalised this Monday, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM). The ministry confirmed that the decision will be discussed during the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on National Food Security Policy (FSCC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry emphasised that all measures taken are based on engagement with industry players, service providers, and padi farmers. Further information regarding the incentives will be shared soon. On June 11 last year, KPKM announced an increase in the ploughing incentive and introduced a harvesting incentive, offering a total of RM210 in cash aid per hectare to padi farmers each season. This assistance is expected to benefit 130,000 padi farmers across Peninsular Malaysia.

However, concerns have been raised over the distribution of these incentives. Kota Siputeh assemblyman Mohd Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir recently claimed that farmers have yet to receive the incentive payments, despite the announcement being made a year ago. The ministry acknowledged this claim and stressed that the MADANI government always prioritises the welfare and interests of padi farmers.

The ministry stated that various improvements have been and are being planned to ensure that all incentives are distributed fairly, accurately, and effectively. The MADANI government is committed to ensuring the sustainability of the padi sector and the continued well-being of padi farmers.