A TOTAL of 988 livestock breeders who were badly affected by the implementation of movement control order (MCO) have received incentives of animal feed worth about RM200,000.
Penang Agriculture, Agro-based Industries, Rural Development and Health Committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin said the incentive was part of the RM76 million Penang People’s Aid Package 2.0 that was announced in May by the state government.
“The livestock feed was given to 829 ruminant breeders, 116 traditional poultry and 43 pig breeders.
“However, only representatives from each group were present today as we do not want to see a massive crowd gathering due to the Covid-19 cases in Penang.
“The total allocation is RM158,015 for ruminant feed , RM20,880 for poultry feed and RM19,242.50 for pig grower feed.
“Hopefully, all of these incentives will be able to assist and lessen the impact that they are facing due to the virus pandemic.
“Rest assured, the state government is consistently doing everything it can to take care of the people’s welfare,” Dr Norlela said in her speech during the handover ceremony at Penang Veterinary Services Department (DVS) in Bukit Tengah today.
Also present was DVS director Dr Anun Man.
During the ceremony, another 49 breeders received various assistance worth about RM537,000.
Dr Anun said the annual assistance was given to selected breeders to upgrade their farm, buying new machine or equipment and others.
“It is part of the DVS’ initiative under the state government to increase their productivity and income.
“The application for the assistance programme is open every year from Oct 1 until Nov 30.
“Those who are interested can come to the nearest DVS office to apply,” she said.
Dr Anun added that four livestock breeders also received a special certificate each from DVS during the programme as their premises have been declared officially free from hand foot mouth disease (HFMD).
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad