Johor smallholders benefit from BUDI Agri-Commodity cash aid, with RM2,400 each to offset rising costs and diesel subsidy rationalisation impacts

BATU PAHAT: A total of 21,049 smallholders in Johor have received cash subsidies under the BUDI Agri-Commodity programme.

Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the initiative supports farmers affected by rising costs and diesel subsidy rationalisation.

Each successful applicant receives RM2,400 in assistance. Noraini stated that 29,048 applications had been received as of January 31, with submissions still open.

Recipients are smallholders cultivating oil palm, rubber, cocoa, pepper and kenaf. They must be Malaysian citizens and registered with agencies under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities.

The relevant agencies include the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the Malaysian Rubber Board. Applicants must also meet land size and production criteria.

Smallholders must cultivate land not exceeding 4.5 hectares for oil palm and rubber. For cocoa, pepper and kenaf, the limit is 2.5 hectares.

They must also be actively engaged in continuous production. Annual sales must be valued between RM50,000 and RM300,000.

Subsidy recipient Puziah Ma’an, 57, described the aid as a meaningful government effort. She received RM200 per month to help cover replanting costs for her family’s oil palm trees.

“I applied just two days ago, and today the assistance has been approved,” she said. The trees are over 15 years old and are the family’s main income source.

 The Sun Malaysia