PUTRAJAYA, Nov 7 — A sum of RM9.3 million has been allocated as replanting aid for paddy farmers affected by floods in Penang and Kedah, says Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said based on initial estimates, about 10,516.73 hectares of paddy farms in Penang and Kedah were affected by floods involving 5,941 farmers.      

Of the total, 9,680.82 hectares with 5,547 farmers were in Penang while 835.91 hectares involving 394 farmers were in Kedah.

To lighten the burden of paddy farmers, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry (MOA) through its disaster committee comprising members from Agriculture Department and the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) was evaluating the actual number of farmers involved, he said.

"MOA will provide replanting assistance when the committee has finalised its evaluation,” he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, the Farmers Organisation Authority (LPP) has identified 21,900 paddy farmers, cage fish breeders and other farmers in Kedah and Penang being affected by the floods. 

LPP chairman, Tan Sri Zainal Dahalan said however the amount of losses were still being evaluated while a survey would be conducted to ascertain the actual number of farmers involved.

"In Penang, we have 20,400 LPP members located in Seberang Perai and Butterworth while in Kedah, 1,500 members in Kuala Muda, Merbok, Padang Serai and Karangan were affected,” he said at the 2017 LPP Integrity Day here today. — Bernama