KPK, MPOB Ready To Help Smallholders Mitigate El Nino Impact - Noraini
BATU PAHAT, Aug 30 (Bernama) – The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK), through its agencies including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), is ready to assist smallholders in dealing with the effects of the El Nino phenomenon.
KPK Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the ministry would maintain close engagement with smallholders and provide advice and guidance to minimise the phenomenon’s impact on agricultural activities and yields.
She said prolonged hot weather could affect commodity yields and production, including palm oil, and urged smallholders to remain vigilant and to inform the relevant agencies if they encountered any problems.
“The hot weather is expected to continue for several months and could potentially affect agricultural yields and production, including palm oil.
“At KPK, we have agencies such as MPOB that will provide assistance, advice and guidance, while maintaining close contact with smallholders so that they are not overly affected by El Nino,” said Noraini.
She told reporters this after attending the Kampung Angkat MADANI Carnival and Launching Ceremony at the Kampung Parit Warijo Multipurpose Hall here today.
Noraini said the ministry believed that most smallholders, particularly those in rural areas, were already aware of the phenomenon and hoped they would seek assistance promptly should any problems arise.
Meanwhile, on the purchase of used cooking oil, she said that as of July, 220 oil trader licence holders were involved in such transactions.
On the Kampung Angkat MADANI Programme, Noraini, who is also Parit Sulong Member of Parliament, said RM590,000 had been allocated for development and physical projects in the area.
She said the projects included upgrading the surau at Kampung Parit Basri Laut, improving the community hall and repairing several houses in collaboration with GIATMARA Parit Sulong.
“Through the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, we are also conducting artificial intelligence (AI) courses and a fertigation chilli cultivation project to enhance the skills and knowledge of residents,” she said.
– BERNAMA