APPLY FOR AID, PAT-G HOLDERS URGED
RM200 monthly for smallholders, rubber tappers
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 to pull through during difficult times, especially for those affected by floods.
He said 421,152 smallholders and rubber tappers had registered for the PAT-G card as of last month.
However, he said, only 303,979 of them had applied for the aid, while the others had yet to apply.
“In the 2017 Budget announcement, the government has allocated the relief in the form of a RM200 monthly aid, which will be handed out in November, December and January.
“The aid will benefit 405,000 smallholders and rubber tappers. The objective is to assist them during the monsoon season. The government has allocated RM261 million for it.
“The application has been opened from Sept 1, this year till Jan 31, next year.
“Therefore, those who have yet to apply for the aid should do so. We want to make sure that it is handed out to everyone.”
Mah said the second hand out of the aid started yesterday and would be distributed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (LGM) and related agencies.
Those who wish to apply can do so online at http:// bmt.lgm.gov.my/home/application or submit the BMT form at any LGM branch.