Tenom: The State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) will ensure that every officer under its agencies go to the ground in flood-affected areas – Tenom, Nabawan, Sook, Tongod, Sipitang, Beaufort and Pitas – to monitor the situation.
They will assess the level of damage to the agricultural sector and coordinate immediate aid for affected farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen.
Its Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said this is vital to ensure that information regarding damage to crops, livestock and agricultural infrastructure can be collected accurately and comprehensively.
It also allows the distributing of aid and implementing recovery measures to be carried out more quickly and effectively.
Jamawi, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said this after visiting Temporary Evacuation Centres (PPS) at Dewan Seri Panglima Antanom and Dewan SJKC Chung Hwa.
Jamawi said his ministry is also collaborating with relevant agencies at the district level to ensure assistance such as livestock feed supplies, crop seeds and technical support, can be distributed promptly and effectively to all affected areas.
He noted that the aid covers districts in the West Coast and the Interior that have been impacted by the unpredictable weather conditions.
He stressed the importance of continuous monitoring of agricultural areas to detect damage early.
This measure, he said, enables district agriculture offices to provide targeted assistance and prevent greater losses of agricultural yield.
Maffi also advised agricultural operators to always comply with the instructions of the authorities and take appropriate safety measures throughout the monsoon season.
They are also encouraged to report any damage or flood threats to the district agriculture offices to enable immediate follow-up action to be taken.
Jamawi said the State Government is committed to restoring the agricultural sector in flood-affected areas so that agricultural operators, breeders and fishermen can resume operations as soon as possible.
According to him, these efforts are expected to help reduce the economic impact on rural communities that depend entirely on the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
He also stressed that a collaborative approach between the ministry, relevant agencies and local communities is key in facing the monsoon season.
“A collaborative approach between the ministry, relevant agencies and local communities is the key to facing this monsoon season. All parties must remain prepared and alert to any early warnings to ensure the safety of lives and the economic survival of rural residents,” he said.
