“Most of the feedback we received from the dialogue session earlier was for a review of the eligibility conditions.

“In addition, they stated that most farmers here use diesel-powered equipment but they are not included in the eligibility conditions for the subsidy,” she said here today.

Lim said the engagement session also involved representatives from the domestic trade and cost of living as well as agriculture and food security ministries to provide a clear explanation to farmers.

“This dialogue is important because it involves the main stakeholders of the national food industry and we want them to realise that the government is always with them,” she said.

Cameron Highlands Vegetable Growers Association secretary Chai Ee Mong said the association asked the government to review the implementation of the Budi Madani diesel subsidy scheme to ensure that farmers and small planters as a whole are eligible.

“The diesel subsidy introduced by the government is very good, but with the conditions introduced, most of us are not eligible for the subsidy.

“In Cameron Highlands alone, there are 2,200 farmers and we now have to compete with imports from Thailand and China.

“Ultimately, we local farmers cannot market our produce because imported vegetables are cheaper,” he said.