Kuala lumpur: The Penang government has approved a one-off RM500 Bantuan Sara Hidup for 6,572 eligible padi and vegetable farmers in the state, involving an allocation of RM3.29 million. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that the aid, which will benefit 5,567 padi farmers and 1,005 vegetable farmers, is part of efforts to fortify the state's food security agenda.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chow stated that the payment will be made soon based on the list of farmers registered with the Penang State Agriculture Department. The announcement was made during a visit to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in Pinang Tunggal, with other officials in attendance.

Chow highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023, particularly Theme 10, which focuses on food supply chain security and cost of living assistance for padi farmers, vegetable growers, and fishermen. Penang currently has 11,858 hectares of active padi cultivation, yielding an average of 4.69 tonnes per hectare.

In the vegetable farming sector, 1,005 farmers produced 10,648 tonnes of vegetables last year, showcasing the significant role of the farming community in maintaining the state's food supply. Chow mentioned the establishment of 384 community and urban gardens, with a target of reaching 500 by 2030, as part of efforts to modernize the agricultural sector sustainably through technology.

The state government, in collaboration with MARDI, aims to continue enhancing the agro-food sector through technology and modern farming practices. This involves improving productivity and reinforcing strategic cooperation with various agencies to support farmers, padi growers, livestock breeders, fishermen, and agro-food entrepreneurs.