By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, May 24: A total of 376 farmers in Bukit Semuja constituency have waited over a year for government assistance after their crops were destroyed by floods in the year-end of 2020 and early 2021.
John Ilus (PBB-Bukit Semuja) noted the Selangor government was very efficient in providing immediate assistance as seen during the recent flood disasters in their state.
“However, for our farmers in Bukit Semuja who had their crops destroyed in flood disasters at the end of 2020 and early 2021, a total of 376 are still waiting (the assistance).
“They have taken photographs of before and after the unfortunate incidences, lodged a police report, submitted an application together with a copy of their bank account statement, but after a year, there is still no updates (from the government),” he said when debating the TYT’s address during Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting yesterday (May 23).
He also disclosed that farmers in the oil palm sector will certainly feel relieved due to the increase in prices for palm oil, but it is not the same for those who plant pepper, tap rubber and produce other agricultural products.
“If they want to buy fertiliser, pesticides and other agricultural input, the prices are all soaring.
“In the past, 20 litres of pesticides cost only about RM200, but now some of it has reached a price of RM500, which is over a 100 per cent increase, as well as (price increases for) fertiliser and other materials. So, how will the government help in this matter?” he questioned.
At the same time, he also noted that culling was carried out for affected farmers in Bukit Semuja, following the declaration of the constituency as an African Swine Fever (ASF) hotspot.
“The question is whether the government is going to compensate all those affected and secondly, from where the government is going to get the supply (of pork) as festive season is coming, to meet the high demand?” he asked. — DayakDaily
