He said the government had received the RM30 million in full from Bernas on March 28. “The distribution of the funds to over 200,000 farmers has begun and will be completed by the middle of April,” he said in a statement.

Mohamad parried criticism against the government over the delay in distributing the funds, saying that the RM30 million allocation was from Bernas.

The delay in payment was due to the need for the company to comply with its internal financial procedures.

“Every distribution of such funds requires strict compliance with procedures, financial management standards, as well as the approval of the company’s top management,” he said.

“The aid can only be channelled once all these requirements are completed, especially involving such a large amount of funds.

Mohamad reiterated his commitment to ensuring the aid reached those who were eligible.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced in February that billionaire Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, who controls Bernas, had agreed to contribute RM30 million to help the government support poor padi farmers.

Syed Mokhtar’s pledge followed an increase in the floor price of padi from RM1,300 per metric tonne to RM1,500, which a farmers association deemed insufficient.

Anwar had also said that half of the RM30 million would be distributed ahead of the month of Ramadan and Aidilfitri celebrations.

Yesterday, Kota Siputeh assemblyman Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir questioned why farmers had yet to receive “even a sen” of the cash aid.