Budi Madani Can Help Ease Burden Of Farmers, Smallholders In Perak

IPOH, May 29 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the MADANI Subsidi Aid Programme (BUDI MADANI), which provides monthly cash assistance of RM200, can help ease the burden of farmers and smallholders in carrying out their farming activities.

Perak Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun said the programme was very helpful in covering the cost of diesel for the use of agricultural machinery and could stabilise the operating costs of the agricultural sector. 

"The long-term effects expected from this monthly cash assistance include increasing the resilience of farmers and smallholders against fuel price increases. 

"It also reduces the financial burden for farmers and smallholders, enabling them to focus more resources on increasing productivity,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.

According to Mohd Zolkafly, in addition to ensuring the continuity of farming activities, the programme can also stabilise the income of farmers and smallholders.

He said the BUDI MADANI programme is also part of the government's efforts to ensure the success of the targeted diesel subsidy programme through the MySubsidi Diesel system.

"Through this assistance, it is hoped that the agricultural sector can continue to expand and be competitive despite facing the challenge of rising operating costs,” he said.

Meanwhile, 56-year-old farmer Tan Cheng Choy said he would try to immediately get more information from the Perak State Agriculture Department to apply for the aid.

The first commercial local onion grower in Kampung Ladang Bikam, near Sungkai, said the assistance could help him reduce the operating costs of the six trucks he uses to cultivate the 12-hectare agricultural area.

"Thank you to the government for the aid given to farmers.

"Diesel prices are also rising. Hopefully, after this, the government can further increase the amount of aid to help farmers grow crops for the country,” he said, adding that he grows turnips and potatoes.

  -- BERNAMA