Farmers who have registered for the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) are eligible for RM3,000 in compensation following crop losses due to recent floodings, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the scheme was designed to protect padi crops against various risks including floods, highlighting the government’s proactive approach to risk management in agriculture.
He urged more farmers to sign up for the crucial support mechanism as there are still 60,000 slots available.
“The STTP, offered at no charge to farmers, is underwritten by AgroBank, which covers RM64.80 per hectare under the scheme.
“With only 30,000 registered so far, more farmers should take advantage of the free scheme, which promises RM3,000 in compensation in the event of a disaster.
“Eligible farmers can register with the Farmers’ Organisation Authority or the nearest AgroBank branch,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time.
Datuk Idris Ahmad (PN-Bagan Serai) had asked about the mechanism of aid distribution to ensure affected farmers receive prompt assistance and how the government addresses the issue of potential leakage or unfairness in the aid distribution process.
Highlighting the ministry’s careful approach to implementing aid schemes, Mohamad said assistance mechanisms such as the Padi Crop Disaster Fund and the Agricultural Disaster Fund have been set up.
“For the Padi Crop Disaster Fund, assistance is provided in cash of RM1,800 per hectare for up to three hectares, specifically to farmers who suffer losses due to natural disasters.
“This mechanism involves several stages of assessment including the preparation of loss reports and assessments by field agencies to identify the level of damage faced by farmers.
“A comprehensive report will then be presented and evaluated by the state technical committee and the main committee at the ministry’s level,” he said.
To an additional question, Mohamad said field officers are deployed to assess claims whether they involve destroyed farms, ruined crops or livestock deaths.
“We take every complaint seriously. If there are farmers who have not received the aid, I urge them to come forward with information,” he said.
