KUALA LUMPUR: Smallholders and rubber tappers with Rubber Transaction Authority Permit (PAT-G) cards who have yet to apply for the Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) provided by the government, have been urged to do so.
Smallholders and rubber tappers with Rubber Transaction Authority Permit (PAT-G) cards who have yet to apply for the Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) provided by the government, have been urged to do so.
Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said they should apply, especially those affected by the floods, in order to pull through during the difficult times.
He said a total of 421,152 smallholders and rubber tappers nationwide have registered for the PAT-G card to qualify for the aid as of last month.
However, he said only 303,979 of them have applied for the assistance, while the remaining 117,173 smallholders and rubber tappers nationwide have yet to apply for the BMT.
“In the 2017 Budget announcement, the government has allocated the much-needed relief in the form of a RM200 monthly aid which will be handed out in November, December and January.
“The aid would benefit 405,000 smallholders and rubber tappers nationwide. The objective is to assist them during the monsoon season. The government has allocated RM261 million for it.
“The application has been opened from September 1 this year until January 31, next year.
“Therefore, those who have yet to apply for the assistance should do so. We want to make sure that the aid is handed out to everyone,” he said in a statement today.
Mah also said the second hand out of the aid will start today (Dec 1) nationwide and will be distributed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) and other related agencies.
He also said those who wish to apply can do so through online at http://bmt.lgm.gov.my/Home/Application or submit the BMT form at any LGM office branch.
- New Straits Times
