PETALING JAYA: The floor price for padi purchases will be set at RM3,000 per metric tonne if Perikatan Nasional (PN) is given the mandate to form the government after the 16th General Election (GE16).
PN secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan (pic) said the commitment would be finalised in the coalition’s manifesto as part of efforts to raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen the national agri-food sector.
He said the current rate of about RM1,500 per metric tonne was no longer in line with rising costs, adding that the increase to RM3,000 was reasonable to ensure the livelihoods of padi farmers.
“This will be PN’s pledge in the upcoming election manifesto, and we are committed to implementing it. A more stable floor price will not only protect farmers but also boost productivity,” he said, as quoted by Sinar Harian on Sunday (May 3).
He stressed that a more competitive price aligns with calls from farmers who are facing mounting operational costs and require better profit margins.
Previously, Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSAWAH) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob was reported to have urged the floor price of padi to be raised to RM3,000 per metric tonne to safeguard farmers’ welfare.
Elaborating further, Takiyuddin said PN’s previous administration had demonstrated its ability to implement pro-people policies, including in the agricultural sector.
He said that during its administration between 2020 and 2021, the PN government channelled about RM530bil through various stimulus packages to support the rakyat during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As such, there should be no issue of insufficient funds to assist farmers, including providing diesel subsidies for those who rely on machinery. If the government does not help, then what is the point of governing?” he said.
