Johor's agricultural sector losses RM35.5m involving 4,862 farmers, says state rep

ISKANDAR PUTERI, March 20 — The agricultural and plantation sector in Johor suffered more than RM35.5 million in losses following the recent floods last month, said State Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip.

He said the losses involved a total of 4,862 farmers in the state.

“The losses were from the state’s agricultural, veterinary, fisheries and agro-based industries.

“So, we ask for the affected parties to provide documentation and apply for assistance immediately,” Zahari told reporters at the Johor state legislative assembly in Kota Iskandar here today.

He was commenting on the agricultural and plantation sector’s losses due to damage caused by the recent floods.

However, Zahari said the losses had not taken into account the entire Batu Pahat district yet.

“This is because some areas are still affected by the floods, while other districts such as Segamat and Muar have been assessed,” he said.

Zahari, who is also the Buloh Kasap assemblyman, said that the state government is committed to ensuring that the entrepreneurs affected by the flood receive appropriate assistance.

He said that the state government also assured those affected that the process will be made easier by reducing bureaucracy.

“Now is the best time to submit their applications for assistance by including photographic evidence and a police report.

“We are worried that if we wait until after Hari Raya Puasa, the applications will be difficult due to the improving situation.

“So, act immediately,” he urged.

Zahari explained that after the application is made, the state government will take about 30 days to resolve the issue.