KEPALA BATAS: The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry has approved more than RM10 million in aid for farmers, breeders and fishermen in the state affected by the major floods of Nov 4.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek said that the floods impacted almost 5,700 farmers and that the aid will compensate them for their losses.
He added that the ministry has initiated a standard operating procedure (SOP) for 'Bencana Sektor Agromakanan' which will evaluate losses incurred from natural disasters and ensure that food supplies are unaffected.
"Some 460 vegetable and fruit farmers suffered losses involving an area of 600 hectares.
"(In) the rice sector, over 10,900 hectares of rice fields were affected, involving 4,800 farmers," he told newsmen here on Wednesday.
Shabery said that the ministry has allocated RM9.7 million for paddy replantation; while for the fisheries sector, the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) has allocated RM500,000 for 110 fishermen whose houses and items used for fishing activities were destroyed.
"LKIM will conduct an evaluation of the damages and provide assistance and aid to the fishermen using the Fishermen's Welfare and Natural Disaster Fund,” he said, adding that 3,500 cages and ponds operated by 160 aquaculture entrepreneurs were destroyed in the deluge.
Shabery said that the Fisheries Department will also conduct an evaluation on losses incurred before the RM500,000 in aid is disbursed early next year.
“About 90 breeders who were affected by the floods will also be given aid and food supplies for livestock, costing over RM50,000,” he added.