CASH ASSISTANCE FOR PRIVATE DIESEL OWNERS TO BENEFIT OVER 7,000 KADA FARMERS

KOTA BHARU, May 23 (Bernama) -- The cash assistance for owners of private diesel vehicles announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will benefit more than 7,000 farmers cultivating about 2,645 hectares of padi under the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (KADA) in Kelantan.

Kelantan Padi Farmers Association (PESAK) chairman Zuha Ismail said the initiative shows that the government is constantly concerned about the welfare of farmers.

“Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is the main occupation for most villagers in Kelantan…this cash assistance for diesel will complement all the existing assistance,” he told Bernama today.

Zuha said agricultural activities involve significant diesel usage, from the seeding process to the crop sale, adding that this assistance will reduce their expenses while increasing their income.

“Young people have shown interest in agriculture after realising that it can generate good income using the correct methods and technologies.

“The government’s continued efforts to prioritise the welfare of farmers will encourage more young people to take up this occupation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malay Express Bus Operators Association Peninsular Malaysia (PEMBAWA) president Laili Ismail said the initiative announced by Anwar shows his concern for the people, adding that he hoped it would continue indefinitely.

“For now, bus operators are provided with mandatory subsidies for diesel supply of 2,880 litre each at RM1.88 sen per litre every month, resulting in savings of over RM700,” he said, adding that the subsidy allows express bus operators to offer reasonably-priced bus tickets.

-- BERNAMA