Farmers demand urgent action as padi purchase pricing woes mount

ALOR STAR: The government has been urged to expedite the review of the minimum padi purchase prices, set to RM1,300 per metric tonne, which has left farmers struggling as the harvesting season begins in many areas.

Farmers' Organisation Authority — under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority — coordinating committee chairman Ishak Taib, 60, said the matter must be resolved within the next 10 days.

"If this is not addressed, farmers will undoubtedly suffer as the current purchase price of RM1,300 per metric tonne is insufficient to cover the rising costs of padi cultivation.

"Some areas have already begun harvesting, but farmers are only being paid RM1,300 per metric tonne. This is a clear injustice, as they are forced to bear losses. Meanwhile, the government is reportedly planning to finalise the pricing by March.

"We appeal to the government to support farmers. As the nation's primary food suppliers, we should not be marginalised or ignored," he said at the "Raise Padi Prices" demonstration attended by around 300 farmers from Kedah, Penang, Perak and Perlis.

Ishak said the protesters are demanding an increase in the purchase price to RM1,800 per metric tonne, describing it as fair and reasonable.

"In previous years, millers paid that amount, which is fair given the high operational costs farmers are shouldering," he said.

The protest was also attended by local political leaders, including representatives from Umno, Pas, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and PKR, who expressed support for the farmers.

Malaysian Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said the protest aims to send a clear message to the government that immediate attention is needed.

"The RM1,300 per hectare price currently offered forces farmers to operate at a loss. One major factor is the 55 per cent increase in costs after the government's targeted diesel subsidy on June 10, which left machinery operators without any aid.

"In the end, the cost hike is borne by farmers who rely on machinery for their operations. The government must act swiftly to resolve this issue and safeguard the welfare of our farmers," he said.

On Jan 8, it was reported that rice millers' decision to fix the purchasing price at the government-set minimum price of RM1,300 per metric tonne sparked an uproar among padi farmers.

In response, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the government had agreed to review the minimum price for rice purchases.

Abdul Rashid welcomed the move but stressed the need for prompt action in revising the purchase price and the ceiling retail price for local white rice.