Putrajaya: The government will table a proposal at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to extend the subsidised diesel fleet card system to 17,000 agricultural machinery service providers in a bid to lower paddy cultivation costs. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the proposed initiative involves an allocation of about RM200 million.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposal covers agricultural machinery operators, including those providing tractor, harvester, and fertiliser spreader services, who play an essential role in the country's paddy cultivation chain. "The majority of paddy farmers rely on these agricultural service providers. Therefore, this matter will be brought to MTEN," Mohamad Sabu told reporters after launching the Kebuniti Agriculture Information Centre, known as Gardentopia, here today.

Mohamad Sabu noted that the move was proposed following an increase in operational costs, particularly diesel costs, which affected machinery service providers and, indirectly, burdened paddy farmers. In support of this initiative, Malaysian Farmers' Brotherhood Organisation (PeSAWAH) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob reportedly said that paddy farmers are currently struggling with rising operational costs, which have dampened their motivation to continue cultivation.