Kuala lumpur: The government's move to raise cash assistance under the BUDI Agri-Komoditi and BUDI Diesel Individu initiatives to RM400 per month, up from RM300 in April, has brought relief to targeted groups in coping with rising living and operational costs. The measure is seen as timely, particularly in easing the financial burden of farmers, paddy growers, and small traders who rely on diesel for their economic activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in Kedah, the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) Farmers' Organisation Coordinating Committee stated that the increase directly benefits 55,904 farmers in the region and serves as crucial support in addressing rising production costs. The committee expressed appreciation to the government for its concern in ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector and safeguarding national food security.

Meanwhile, Azhar Bakar, 67, from Alor Setar, who has been cultivating padi for 30 years, noted that the increase is especially helpful during the planting season. In Selangor, goat breeder Kamal Ali, 51, from Banting, mentioned that the increased BUDI Agri-Commodities aid helps reduce rising daily operating costs and allows for more systematic planning of diesel usage, particularly ahead of Aidiladha when demand for sacrificial animals rises.

In Pahang, private sector employee Ahmad Efendy Jamaludin, 47, said the increase helps ease cost-of-living pressures for those using diesel vehicles. He expressed hope that it would prevent sudden increases in prices, especially for food items. Businessman Aziyadi Abdullah, 54, added that the initiative helps cover part of diesel costs in the short term and contributes to stabilising prices of essential goods.

In Kelantan, Kelantan Paddy Farmers Association (PESAK) chairman Zuha Ismail remarked that the initiative was good news for farmers, reflecting the government's concern for their needs amid rising costs. He emphasized that almost all machinery used in paddy cultivation relies on diesel, with ploughing costs and other expenses rising, including the use of pumps to channel water to paddy fields during the current dry season.

In Johor, cattle and goat breeder Muhd Muhadir Abdullah, 46, from Batu Pahat, highlighted that the increased assistance helps ease the burden of breeders dependent on diesel vehicles for daily operations. He noted that his four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential for transporting livestock or meat to customers. Transport business operator Azalie Arshad, 42, from Mersing, stated that the BUDI Diesel Individual aid helps him cope with high diesel costs. He mentioned that rising fuel prices due to the global energy crisis have increased expenses by about RM800 per month for his vehicles, prompting him to purchase a Perodua Axia as a cost-saving measure amid mounting operational pressures.