George Town, 5 November 2026 – Penang will consider making its one-off MYR 500 cost-of-living payment to padi and vegetable farmers an annual measure, subject to the state’s finances and budget priorities. State agriculture and food-security committee chairman Rashidi Zinol said the current assistance covered 6,510 farmers with an allocation of MYR 3.255 million.
For farmers and businesses supplying the agricultural sector, the distinction is between support already provided and a possible recurring commitment. Annual renewal has not been confirmed. Rashidi acknowledged that MYR 500 would not cover the overall rise in operating costs, and said assistance also needed to address equipment, skills, technology and agricultural infrastructure.
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