GEORGE TOWN, November 18 — The Penang government is intensifying assistance for paddy farmers after severe losses in season 1 of 2025 caused by an outbreak of the invasive aquatic weed keladi agas (Monochoria vaginalis), with State Agrotechnology and Food Security chairman Fahmi Zainol telling the assembly that the fast-spreading weed has wiped out yields in several areas.
Compounded by issues such as poor irrigation, uncertified seeds, non-standard farming practices and labour shortages; he said the state has activated a special task force since May 2023, channelled RM900,000 under the Paddy Development Programme — including RM400,000 for expert weed control.
And is conducting awareness campaigns, technical briefings and demo plots, while also considering special one-off financial aid depending on losses, with long-term plans to raise yields from 4.95 tonnes per hectare to seven tonnes by 2030 through high-yield seeds.
Modern farming methods, revitalising abandoned plots and encouraging youth participation as Penang works to help farmers recover and prepare for season 2 of 2025.
