MCA: Expedite relief to Kedah padi farmers following devastating Lubuk Batu flood

Focus Malaysia:

MCA: Expedite relief to Kedah padi farmers following devastating Lubuk Batu flood

By Bernie Yeo

MCA Kedah has called for both the federal and state governments to expedite swift assistance to padi farmers in Kedah following the devastating floods in the Lubuk Batu area that had submerged 232 hectares of padi fields, causing an estimated loss of RM2.3 mil.

The state chapter’s liaison committee chairperson Chua Thiong Gee said without relevant support, the future of rice cultivation in Malaysia hangs in balance and threatens the communities’ food security.

“As an immediate relief, we urge the both Putrajaya and the Kedah state government to disburse a sum higher than the RM1,000 aid distributed by the federal government via the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA),” he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 20).

“As farmers have to cope with not only the loss of their crops but also the financial burdens of ploughing and purchasing seeds, the government could explore avenues to obtain seedlings from neighbouring countries to replenish our crops.

“This is necessary to maintain the continuity of rice production, ensure that Malaysians have access to this vital resource and curtail rice prices from skyrocketing.”

Citing Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s official trip to Kumamoto, Japan, Chua said the delegates should leverage on this trip and government-to-government diplomacy to appeal for post-reconstruction help from their Japanese counterpart.

“Areas where aid can be channelled to include financing, introducing resilient rice crop varieties, obtaining farming machinery and even the deployment of evacuation volunteers as part of Japan’s Overseas Development Aid (ODA),” he suggested, adding that such collaboration plays a pivotal role in efforts to restore and enhance rice production.

“When the floods have receded and normalcy appears to return, the Kedah state government and Putrajaya could also request for Japan to despatch lecturers or specialists on modern rice production technology.

“Such support could bolster our recovery efforts and enhance our agricultural resilience. Food security is not just about immediate relief; it is about long-term sustainability.

“Ensuring the continuity of rice production is vital for the well-being of our citizens. As we navigate this crisis and prepare for post-reconstruction, our farmers need to be supported to secure a stable food supply for the future.” – Sept 20, 2024