KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 — Putrajaya will begin disbursing RM10 million in aid from national rice company Bernas in phases beginning January 16, 2023 for paddy farmers from the flood-hit peninsular east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

The assistance, about RM250 per farmer, is a portion of the RM60 million in aid Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledged to paddy growers earlier this month.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) Mohamad Sabu said farmers from other states will receive the rest of the assistance later.

"The MAFS and agencies under its purview are working towards finalising the names and account numbers of farmers in the three states to ensure the disbursement is smooth.

"Up to 20,598 farmers will benefit from Bernas contribution amounting to RM250 per farmer,” the minister better known as Mat Sabu said in a statement today.