KOTA KINABALU: Rubber smallholders in Sabah have accused the government of neglect following its decision that Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) will only be given to those under the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda).
Sabah Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Junz Wong and officers from the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) had discussed the matter with the primary industries ministry several times.
Wong said an agreement was made in principal between his ministry and the federal ministry, with a letter sent to the finance ministry to request additional funds for aid in Sabah.
However, the finance ministry rejected the application.
The rubber smallholders who met here yesterday said the decision is unfair to them as well as to Sabah.
“We are the main contributors to Sabah’s rubber production. We deserve to be assisted too,” one of them, George Gideon, said.
Others said the finance ministry’s move is against the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto, which includes a pledge to safeguard the rights of Sabahans and distribute funds equally for the state.
“Obviously, PH is not sincere about fulfilling its special manifesto for Sabah,” said another smallholder, Raymond Mogantar.
They urged the finance ministry to review its decision, saying that funds for Risda smallholders come from the people and should be given to those in need.
“There should not be any form of favouritism, or decision that can be seen as oppressive,” said Mogantar.
Qualified rubber smallholders under LIGS in Sabah received RM200 for three months between November 2017 and January 2018.
There are 70,594 rubber smallholders registered with LIGS comprising of 51,949 smallholders and 18,645 rubber tappers.
Risda has a total of 6,055 rubber smallholders registered in Sabah.
The finance ministry announced BMT of RM600 for rubber smallholders under Risda nationwide in December. - FMT
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