22,278 farmers, breeders, fishermen affected by floods, says minister

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 13 — Some 22,278 farmers, breeders and fishermen are estimated to have been affected by the floods in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan and Johor.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said it was based on preliminary estimates on the destruction of crops and livestock and unfavourable sea conditions.

“However, we are still assessing the losses by gathering feedback from officers in the districts on the overall losses and individual losses incurred by the farmers.

“Only then, the ministry will decide whether to provide financial aid or implement other suitable measures to help them,” he told a press conference after flagging off vehicles of agencies under the ministry to help the flood victims, here today.

The agencies involved are the Farmers Organisation Authority (FOA), the National Fishermen’s Association (Nekmat), AgroBank, Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) and Tekun Nasional.

Ismail Sabri said in addition to food, beverages and personal items, the agencies would dispatch Kor Tani volunteers to help flood victims in the clean-up operation.

Flood victims who took Tekun loans could defer payment and would be given loans of RM5,000 to RM10,000.

AgroBank also allows the flood victims to defer loan payment. — Bernama