KEPALA BATAS: Farmers are urged to register for a special permit to buy diesel under a nationwide initiative, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
Its Penang director S. Jegan said farmers can buy up to 200 litres of diesel a day in drums and barrels but it must be registered and the permit must be presented at designated petrol stations.
“Farmers are only allowed to buy 20 litres of petrol and diesel a day using containers.
“As they need more, we will give them a special permit, but there are documents they must submit based on the size of their land.
“This is to ensure they are not buying diesel to resell. They can buy diesel from designated petrol stations near their farms,” he said at a gathering with farmers here.
Jegan said the ministry set up a booth at the event to help farmers register.
“They can register online and visit our office for assistance,” he said, adding that all states are carrying out the procedure.
Penang Vegetable Farmers Association chairman Ng Lean Hooi, 45, who has a 4ha farm, said he needed 4,000 litres of diesel a month during the dry season for water pumps.
“This lasts four months a year and during the rainy season, I only need 1,000 litres.
“I used to spend around RM8,000 to RM10,000 a month on diesel, but now it costs over RM20,000.
“Diesel used to make up 5% of my expenses. Now it is 15%.”
Ng said the RM300 aid was welcome but it should be adjusted based on farm size.
Padi farmer Mahadi Md Rodzi, 61, who has 2ha of land, said he hires tractors and harvesters, and the increase in rentals had been shocking.
“Many of us do not have tractors and harvesters. It used to cost me RM750 to RM900 per season, two seasons a year.
“Now I expect it to cost double, RM1,800 to RM2,000.
“I cannot expect them to maintain the old rates. I have to accept the new charges,” he said.
