The announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) of assistance totaling RM13.23 million for 6,747 farmers affected by this year's major floods has given hope to those who have lost their livelihoods.
The assistance covers damage to 12,800 hectares of paddy fields, with Kelantan, Kedah, and Perlis being the worst-hit states.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, revealed that the floods that hit from June to October alone caused losses of RM12.88 million, involving 5,817 farmers.
However, with a new wave of floods hitting in November and December, the loss figure is expected to continue to increase.
The latest assessment will be conducted early next year to ensure that no farmers are left out of receiving assistance.
Arthur explained that the floods occurred in stages and continuously, causing the ministry to wait for the water to recede before being able to conduct an accurate assessment of the damage.
He also stressed the ministry's commitment to continue to support every affected rice farmer.
