PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad insisted that the poor, especially rubber tappers, receive aid despite the country's financial difficulties, says the Economic Affairs Minister. “Dr Mahathir is concerned about the hardship faced by rubber tappers and smallholders,” said Datuk Seri Azmin Ali. Azmin was speaking about the RM164.78mil aid to help Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) farmers whose incomes have been affected by the monsoon season. “Through close cooperation between the Economic Affairs and Finance ministries, the government decided to allocate RM164,783,400 as Monsoon Season Aid for 274,639 rubber smallholders who are registered with Risda. “The Economic Affairs Ministry is committed to championing the welfare of rubber smallholders to create an inclusive economic development,” he added.

Source: The Star December 22, 2018 06:02 UTC