GEORGE TOWN, May 17 ― The federal government must do its duty and compensate all farmers affected by the recent dry spell, Penang executive councillor Lim Hock Seng asserted today.

The Public Works, Utilities and Transport committee chairman said the Penang Pakatan Harapan could help farmers in the state with financial aid, but feared it may set a bad precedent in future.

“This is a problem that must be borne by the federal government and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry,” the DAP assemblyman for Bagan Jermal said in the Penang legislative assembly.

“Even if Penang can compensate the farmers affected by the dry weather, what about the other states? We don't want to set a precedent because this issue is the responsibility of the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry,” he said in reply to Barisan Nasional (BN) lawmaker for Penaga, Datuk Mohd Zain Ahmad.

Lim pointed out that Penang farmers were not the only ones who suffered financial losses due to a water shortage worsened by the El Niño phenomenon, after Mohd Zain urged the state government to provide monetary aid.

But Lim also said the state government will study Mohd Zain’s suggestion before extending any financial assistance to those who lost their income due to shortage of water supply.