PUTRAJAYA: A total of 5,941 padi farmers are thought to be affected by the mega flood which has ravaged northern states. In worst-hit Penang, 9,680.82 hectares are affected by the flood, while 835.01 hectares are under water in Kedah, he added. "To ease the farmers' plight, the ministry – via a disaster committee comprising the Agriculture Department and those in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) – is assessing the actual number of farmers affected. "The ministry will provide assistance under the “padi replanting aid per hectare programme” once the committee has finalised its assessment," Ahmad Shabery said in a statement today. Based on initial estimates with regard to affected areas, Shabery said RM9.3 million will be allocated for the replanting aid programme for affected farmers.

Source: New Strait Times November 07, 2017 05:48 UTC