TAPAH - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) candidate KS Bawani has announced plans to establish a special state-level committee to address the urgent issues faced by paddy and vegetable farmers, as well as other food producers, in Perak – if elected as assemblyman for Ayer Kuning.
In a press conference, Bawani outlined several challenges faced by farmers and emphasised the need for immediate action to safeguard their livelihoods.
"The livelihoods of our food producers are under threat due to poor policies, inadequate support and unfair treatment. This committee will ensure their voices are heard and solutions are implemented,” she said.
Among the key concerns, Bawani pointed to deteriorating irrigation systems, lack of government assistance and the financial struggles of ageing farmers.
"Our irrigation and water supply systems are poorly maintained, causing significant disruptions in paddy farming. This needs urgent attention,” she explained.
She also called on the government to review and raise the floor price for paddy, citing rising costs of production.
"The current floor price does not reflect the rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, machinery and diesel. Farmers are working hard but earning less. It’s time the government reviews this and sets a fairer price,” she added.
To improve access to essential supplies, she proposed a voucher system allowing farmers to purchase suitable fertilisers when needed.
She also advocated for a RM500 monthly pension for farmers aged 60 and above, recognising their lifelong contribution to the nation.
She also further expressed concern over the treatment of vegetable farmers, particularly in Perak where farmers have cultivated their land for generations, yet they were overlooked when they request leases or grants.
"Instead, their lands are taken away for housing or industrial projects,” she said.
Bawani also voiced concern over Malaysia’s heavy dependence on imported food, which makes up over 50 per cent of the national supply and costs more than RM80 billion annually.
"Any disruption in the international food supply chain, whether due to climate change or trade wars, could lead to price hikes that burden our people. We must achieve 100 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production,” she said.
If elected, Bawani said the proposed committee would engage directly with farmers across the state, tackle local issues and collaborate with the federal government on broader agricultural policies.
"It’s time we treat our food producers with the respect they deserve. Their hard work ensures our plates are full, and we must do everything in our power to support them,” she asserted.
As part of PSM’s broader policy, Bawani reiterated the party’s commitment to controlled rice prices and subsidies for paddy farmers.
"It is unfair for farmers to live in poverty so that rice remains cheap. Subsidies are essential to strike a balance,” she said.