PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the padi price subsidy has been raised from RM360 to RM500 per metric tonne, effective tomorrow.

With the increase, Malaysian farmers will receive at least RM1,700 for a metric tonne of padi.

“This is the biggest increase in history. The rate was increased when I was the finance minister a long time ago.

“Today, I did it again. I announce it today, tomorrow it is increased,” he said in Parit Buntar, Perak.

Also present was Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu.

Anwar said the increase in the rate will involve an annual expenditure of RM1 billion.

To address the issue of grading and classification of rice grains, he said discussions will be held with the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to deploy agricultural officers to private rice mills specifically to monitor the process and prevent manufacturers from doing so without adhering to established standards.

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said the Finance Ministry will consider increasing allocations for the implementation of five-season padi cultivation within two years.

“The RM3 billion allocated for building waterways and related matters is not enough, we need to add more. We will try to do our best for the farmers,” he said.

At the same event, Anwar also announced assistance of RM21.8 million benefiting 28,295 padi farmers and planters in Perak.

The funds was presented to the Perak Farmers’ Organisation chairman Sham Mat Sahat and representatives of area farmers’ organisations. – Bernama, August 8, 2023.