Agriculture Minister Mohamad Sabu denies allegations of delayed payments, confirming that ploughing incentives have been increased and are being disbursed
KUALA LUMPUR: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has dismissed claims that the government delayed aid to paddy farmers as unfounded.
He stated the MADANI administration has actually raised the Ploughing Incentive for Padi Farmers (IPKP) and increased aid payments.
“For season 1/2025, IPKP payments have been fully settled, totalling RM39.314 million to over 135,000 paddy farmers across Peninsular Malaysia,” he said in a Facebook post.
He added that for the current season, more than RM27 million has already been paid.
Mohamad explained that IPKP was raised from RM100 to RM160 per hectare from last year’s first planting season, with a further increase to RM300 per hectare announced recently.
He clarified that these payments follow planting by farmers and differ from direct cash aid.
“In every season, some farmers plant while others don’t,” he said, noting payments are based on verified work to ensure transparent fund management.
He also highlighted that padi planting seasons differ by state, preventing simultaneous nationwide disbursements.
Officers verify claims on-site after submission, with payments processed only for complete documentation.
The minister also noted the launch of a new Padi Harvesting Incentive of RM50 per hectare last year.
“Truth is, aid payments are already made, ongoing, and outstanding claims will be settled once verification is complete,” he stated.
Mohamad acknowledged some farmers face issues when service providers fail to refund excess fees after receiving government payments.
He said the ministry is addressing this and will soon announce improvements to the claims and payment system.
The government pledges to continue increasing aid, improving systems, and safeguarding farmers’ welfare.
