Ahmad Shabery flagging off a Merdeka convoy. On the right is his deputy Anthony Nogeh Gumbek.— Bernama photo
SERDANG: The government will devise methods to help farmers feeling the pinch as a result of the depreciation of the ringgit, said Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
“Although, the farmers in the country do not receive the cost of living allowance like fishermen, they don’t have to worry because the ministry will always think of a security network system for them,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after delivering a message to the staff of the ministry in conjunction with the 2015 National Day celebration here, yesterday, Ahmad Shabery said his ministry would monitor the increase in prices especially essential items which had to be imported like rice, meat and fertilisers.
He said an impact study of the hike in the dollar (USD) on the agriculture sector was also almost ready and would be handed to the Special Economic Committee to see the implication of a prolonged depreciation of the ringgit.
“Although the production of rice, fish and chicken are adequate, we also have to look at other impacts such as the use of machinery, imported fertilisers and looking at the import on the dollar (USD),” he said.
In the meantime, Ahmad Shabery also rejected claims that the cost of living allowance for the fishermen of RM1,200 would be discontinued following the depreciation of the ringgit.
Earlier, Ahmad Shabery, in his message, urged the staff of the ministry to boost their cooperation network and move as a team regardless of position to ensure the ministry remained strategic in the effort to build the defence of the nation.
“We want to boost the output of the agriculture industry and I will not allow any Malaysian to be poor and without food in our country,” he said.
Ahmad Shabery also launched nine mobile applications or Mardi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute) Apps to support technology transfer, competence and knowledge to farmers, agriculture and livestock entrepreneurs. — Bernama