SRI AMAN: Farmers and paddy growers affected by disasters such as the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) will continue to receive appropriate assistance from the government.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said that the ministry monitors the welfare challenges faced by agricultural communities, especially as the monsoon season approaches.
“We are entering December, and by February we will be in the critical flood period where many things can happen.
“That is why we always review the welfare needs of farmers and paddy growers closely, who are affected by disasters such as the Northeast Monsoon, disease outbreaks and other disruptions, where the government must provide suitable assistance,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after officiating the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Farm Day 2025 at the Block C paddy plots in Tanjung Bijat today (Nov 19).
Rundi added that the matter would be further examined through the State Disaster Management Committee (JPBN), which oversees statewide disaster planning and response.
He also highlighted that riverine and coastal communities were among the groups most severely affected during the monsoon season.
“For our fishermen, we advise them to engage in agricultural activities such as short-term cash crops, which can give returns in a short period of time.
“We cannot depend on a single source of income,” he said.
Also present were Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat, and IADA Batang Lupar director Irene Lah.
