Malaysia disburses staged drought assistance to rice farmers under STTP scheme
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said it has paid RM1.99 million to padi growers in MADA areas and will release RM5.13 million for those outside those zones starting Oct 23.
The Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Ministry continues to roll out drought relief for rice cultivators through the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme. To date, RM1.99 million has been paid in installments to registered farmers within the Muda Agricultural Development Authority’s jurisdiction, covering the period from June through one outlet month. An additional RM5.13 million earmarked for growers outside MADA regions will be disbursed in stages starting on Oct 23.
Officials highlighted that supporting padi farmers, especially amid drought and fertilizer-supply setbacks, remains a core government objective. Preliminary yield data from 21 percent of the Crop Cutting Survey suggest an average gross yield of 5.69 tonnes per hectare for Season 1/2026, up from 4.60 tonnes in the previous season, indicating no clear decline. A comprehensive assessment will follow the November harvest to inform any further measures.
Why it matters
The aid helps sustain Malaysia's rice production and food security amid drought and fertilizer shortages.
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