By Sarah Hafizah Chandra & Nur Shazreena Ali
KUCHING – The Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) on Monday (Sept 28) distributed Prihatin Economic Stimulus Package vouchers to pepper smallholders.
The pepper farmers can use the vouchers to buy the things they need for their respective farms at selected shops appointed by MPB.
New Sarawak Tribune talked to some recipients about the government aid.
Federick Saom: ‘I am grateful for the financial assistance given by the government. It motivates me to work harder. I will use the money to buy fertilisers and pesticides so that I can increase my pepper yields.’ 
Dawi Atek : “I will use the financial assistance to buy the things I need for my pepper farm. I hope the government will continue to help farmers like me improve our incomes.’ 
Asmaun Hassan: ‘I hope that the government will also help youth, especially high school leavers and fresh graduates who are interested in venturing into agriculture. This will allow them to be independent and to generate their own incomes.” 
Michael Chai Kim Siong: ‘I thank the government for looking after the welfare of the farmers. Even my children and grandchildren who are living in Australia said that our pepper products are very popular there.’
