Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar stated that the government is committed to allocating RM5.36 billion to implement the '2-Year 5-Season Rice Planting Plan' in phases to enhance the rice production of the Muda Agricultural Development Authority.
He noted that the first phase of the '2-Year 5-Season Rice Planting Plan' involves RM1 billion, including projects such as repairing and upgrading the Baru Dam.
He mentioned that the total amount for this plan reaches RM5 billion, and the government is expediting the progress of the first phase while needing to convince farmers that it can be completed.
He urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and its agencies to collaborate with the Kedah state government to expedite the infrastructure development.
He made these remarks at the launch of the '2-Year 5-Season Rice Planting Plan' in Ayer Itam, Jitra, in the northern part of Kedah on Thursday afternoon.
He said that he discussed this '2-Year 5-Season Rice Planting Plan' with farmers and relevant officials.
He pointed out that one of the main recommendations for developing this plan is to improve irrigation infrastructure, including upgrading the irrigation system and enhancing the Baru Dam.
He stated that the Baru Dam, which has been operational for nearly 60 years, has some parts that are old and in disrepair, and need restoration. Given that the Netherlands has advanced technology in irrigation and flood control, the government will seek expertise from them.
He said if irrigation and flood control issues are not improved, it will not contribute anything towards increasing rice production.
“Moreover, the Kedah state government must expedite the land acquisition process to facilitate the agencies involved in implementing this plan.”
Furthermore, Anwar mentioned that not all rice varieties are suitable for planting in all locations.
He gave the example that the rice variety from Sekinchan, Selangor, is not suitable for planting in Kedah’s soil; thus, he urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to research suitable rice varieties to increase Kedah's rice production.
Attendees included Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi.
National paddy farmers will receive RM15 million in aid to prepare for the upcoming Ramadan and Aidilfitri.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar stated that this aid is part of BERNAS’s additional RM30 million allocation, aimed at supporting the government's efforts to improve the lives of impoverished paddy farmers.
He said he asked business magnate Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar to assist farmers, not political parties, because BERNAS profits from the farmers, and thus he agreed to donate RM30 million upfront.
“From this allocation, RM15 million will be disbursed immediately to prepare farmers for Ramadan and Aidilfitri. We hope this aid can be distributed before Ramadan.”
He said the aid would be coordinated for disbursement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and BERNAS.
Earlier, Prime Minister Anwar revealed on February 13 that Syed Mokhtar allocated RM30 million through BERNAS to support the government in improving the lives of impoverished paddy farmers.
He mentioned that this decision was made after contacting the businessman on the same day.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu noted that irrigation and drainage system issues in paddy regions have been identified as the primary cause of reduced rice production.
He stated that this structural issue must be adequately addressed to ensure a stable rice supply.
“The existing irrigation system has been operational for many years, thus requiring continuous maintenance, which involves high costs.”