Aid to farmers delayed to comply with Bernas' rules, Mat Sabu says

Aid to farmers delayed to comply with Bernas' rules, Mat Sabu says

Published: Apr 5, 2025 8:11 PM
Updated: 11:11 PM


Summary

• Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu acknowledges delays to the RM30 million aid to farmers from Bernas, saying it was to ensure disbursement complied with the company’s protocols.

• However, he says the government received the money from Bernas on March 28 and it would be disbursed to all deserving farmers by the middle of this month.
  
  
• The RM30 million aid to farmers from Bernas is delayed to ensure compliance with the company’s regulations, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

However, the minister assured the funds would be disbursed to the farmers by the middle of this month.

“The process is taking time to ensure it follows all financial regulations and protocols set by the company. However, I must mention that we received the RM30 million from Bernas on March 28.

“Therefore, the ministry would disburse the funds accordingly to 200,000 eligible farmers across the nation, and the process is expected to be completed by the middle of this month,” Mohamad said in a statement today.

Yesterday, Kedah’s Kota Siputeh assemblyperson Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir urged the government to fulfil its promise to channel RM30 million in aid for paddy farmers.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the RM30 million contribution from Bernas in February, with half the money to be disbursed earlier to help with preparations for Ramadan and Syawal.

“To date, paddy farmers have yet to receive the assistance, causing disappointment and dissatisfaction amongst them.

“I urge the government to act immediately to ensure the assistance is channelled transparently, just as other promised assistance that was provided on time to protect the livelihood of paddy farmers,” the Bersatu leader added.

‘Appreciate the patience’

Taking pot shots at the opposition, Mohamad said the government prioritises the people’s welfare and called for the private company to help out farmers in need, unlike the previous administration, which sought political donations from the private sector.

“The ministry understands the farmers’ grouses and we are committed to ensuring the aid is disbursed to those deserving.

“And we also appreciate our farmers’ patience and cooperation in the entire process,” he added.