BUDI MADANI: RURAL SMALLHOLDERS CALL FOR SIMPLER GUIDANCE

KUALA TERENGGANU, June 13 (Bernama) -- Oil palm smallholders in rural areas in Terengganu are hoping for clearer and simpler explanations from the government to help them understand the BUDI MADANI initiative.

Mazlan Abas, 60, from Kampung Pengkalan Ajal, Kuala Berang, said that as far as he knows, many smallholders in his village have not yet applied for the initiative under the BUDI Agri-Komoditi category.

He also said that the online application process is a barrier for villagers to apply, as most of them lack computer skills and face weak internet connectivity.

bootstrap slideshow

“We don’t understand it, so how can we apply? Moreover, the application has to be done online. We hope there will be simpler explanations for us to understand and that someone will help facilitate the application process,” he told Bernama.

Registration for BUDI MADANI at https://budimadani.gov.my opened on May 28, with no closing date set for applications.

Meanwhile, Amir Ahmad Pohat, 32, a recipient of individual assistance or BUDI Individu, hoped that the government’s objective of implementing targeted diesel subsidies would be achieved to benefit the people.

bootstrap slideshow

“It is understood that the government could save RM4 billion annually through this initiative. Therefore, the government can later offer other benefits such as better public transportation facilities.

“It’s still too early to tell, but perhaps in five to six months, we will see the positive effects of this measure,” said the Al-Quran and Fardhu Ain (KAFA) class teacher.

Amir, who drives a Toyota Hilux, also hoped the aid amount would be flexible based on the individual’s income.

Under the BUDI MADANI initiative, a cash assistance of RM200 per month is given to eligible groups such as farmers, smallholders and private diesel vehicle owners.

This initiative aims to ensure that the subsidy allocations are targeted to eligible groups, including individual assistance (BUDI Individu), farmers and small-scale commodity growers (BUDI Agri-Komoditi), as well as companies and transport vehicles (MySubsidi Diesel).

Starting June 10, the price of diesel at all retail stations in Peninsular Malaysia is set at RM3.35 per litre. It is the market price without subsidy based on the average for May 2024 according to the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.

-- BERNAMA