Increase in rice subsidies, farmer incentives to boost agro-food production in Malaysia

NABAWAN (Oct 25): An increased allocation in rice subsidies and incentives from RM2.46 billion this year to RM2.6 billion next year, reflects the government's determination to enhance rice and agro-food production in the country, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. "Overall, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security received a 4.1% increase in allocation for Budget 2025, reflecting the government's determination to enhance productivity in the agro-food sector, which will benefit the people," he said in a statement. The statement was issued after he officiated Friday's meeting between leaders and rice farmers and the rice incentive presentation ceremony for Sabah interiors. The event saw 15,000 farmers from Nabawan, Keningau, Tenom, and Tambunan receive fertiliser and pesticide assistance under the Federal Rice Fertiliser Scheme (SBPKP), the Rice Production Incentive Scheme (SIPP), and Phase 1 of the special cash aid for this ...