Latest news with #NationalFarmersOrganisation


The Star
06-08-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Nafas suspension still in effect, says Mat Sabu
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Farmers Organisation (Nafas) remains suspended nearly 10 months after it was first imposed due to internal conflicts, confirms Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said that during the period, Nafas is managed by individuals appointed by the Registrar of Farmers Organisations, and all operations must adhere to the registrar's directives. "The registrar has appointed the Nafas Steering Council, comprising five experienced professionals in governance and government management, led by former Public Services director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman. "This council is responsible for reassessing every aspect of Nafas's management and operations, including its subsidiaries, to ensure that the institution's recovery is comprehensive, structured, and conducted with integrity," he said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Aug 6). He was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan (Sri Gading-PH) regarding the current status of Nafas's suspension since November 1, 2024. Mohamad explained that the renewal strategy will be finalised through a governance and competitiveness improvement blueprint. "The government has appointed highly experienced public service professionals to lead Nafas. These individuals are not only experts in their respective fields but have also provided exemplary service to the nation in the past. "The government is confident that this team can reshape the future of Nafas to be more competitive and uphold integrity," he added. Nafas, which comprises 603,000 members, 280 Area Farmers Organisations, and 14 State Farmers Organisations, has faced scrutiny over governance issues. Established in 1979, Nafas has been the sole government fertiliser supplier but has struggled with inefficiencies. The suspension of Nafas's constitution on November 1 was executed under Section 7(1) of the Farmers Organisations Act 1973. Nafas is currently undergoing its third suspension. The first occurred during the tenure of then Agriculture Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from 1984 to 1986. The second suspension was under the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, and the third is presently in effect.


The Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
NAFAS boosts agricultural input delivery with stockist training
PUTRAJAYA: The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) is reinforcing Malaysia's agricultural input distribution system by improving stockist efficiency through specialised training. The Stockist Enhancement and Empowerment Course for the Central Zone aims to optimise the role of stockists under the Federal Government's Padi Fertiliser Scheme and Padi Production Incentive Scheme. Mohd Zulkifli Harun, secretary of the Padi Industry Development Division under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), highlighted the importance of refining stock management and distribution procedures. 'We must ensure timely delivery of inputs to farmers while maintaining accurate information flow,' he said after the course's closing ceremony. The three-day programme involved 70 participants from 28 Area Farmers Organisations (PPK) across Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and Melaka. Noor Azizah Abdul Aziz, NAFAS deputy general manager, emphasised that stockists serve as crucial intermediaries in delivering agricultural aid. 'Efficiency is key—delays or mismanagement can disrupt the entire system,' she stated. Technical briefings were conducted by agencies including KPKM, MARDI, the Department of Agriculture, and the Project Implementing Authority. Mohd Sukri Abd Razak, PPK Merlimau general manager, noted the training helped stockists refine fertiliser distribution processes. 'We gained clarity on subsidy mechanisms, ensuring smoother operations,' he said.

Barnama
26-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
NAFAS Strengthens Agricultural Input Delivery Through Stockist Training
PUTRAJAYA, June 26 (Bernama) -- The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) is strengthening the country's agricultural input distribution system by prioritising efficient and timely delivery through a Stockist Enhancement and Empowerment Course for the Central Zone. Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Padi Industry Development Division secretary Mohd Zulkifli Harun said the course, which focused on the role of stockists under the Federal Government's Padi Fertiliser Scheme and Padi Production Incentive Scheme, aims to enhance the effectiveness of all 195 stockists nationwide in assisting farmers. He emphasised the need to improve standard operating procedures for stock management and distribution to ensure inputs are delivered on schedule. 'We also hope stockists will continue to play a key role in supporting policy implementation and information dissemination,' he said after the course's closing ceremony here yesterday. The three-day programme involved 70 participants from 28 Area Farmers Organisations (PPK) in Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Melaka. Meanwhile, NAFAS deputy general manager Noor Azizah Abdul Aziz said the course was aimed at strengthening the role of PPKs and stockists as key intermediaries in delivering agricultural assistance to farmers. 'Stockists are the frontliners in ensuring accurate information and product quality are communicated to stakeholders,' she said in her speech. She added that efficiency must be continuously improved, as any delay or mismanagement could significantly affect the entire distribution system. 'We are all aware that the effectiveness of government aid delivery depends on how well distribution is managed in line with the planting schedule,' she said.

Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
NAFAS Announces 10 Pct DPK Dividend
PUTRAJAYA, May 21 (Bernama) -- The National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) has announced a 10 per cent dividend for the National Farmers Fund (DPK) for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024, under the Farmers' Special Investment Scheme (SPKP). Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the dividend comprises seven per cent in returns and a three per cent bonus for the first 100,000 investment units, involving a total payout of RM16 million to 15,000 investors. Also announced was a 0.75 per cent hibah (non-guaranteed gift) for the DPK Al-Wadiah General Savings Account, with an overall payout commitment of RM100,000. Mohamad Sabu said the DPK recorded impressive growth in 2024, including in profits, asset value, and distribution of benefits to investors. 'This reflects investors' confidence in the administrative structure and investment policies spearheaded by DPK, which continue to strengthen year after year,' he said in his speech at the SPKP DPK dividend announcement ceremony here today. Mohamad said DPK's efforts to diversify its investment portfolio, including modern agricultural projects and specialised financial services, proved that farmers can also be economic players in a broader ecosystem. However, he cautioned that DPK must not rest on its current success and should continue to be aggressive in exploring new investment opportunities to provide even higher returns to investors. 'In my view, the time has come for DPK to expand its investment partnerships, possibly with financial institutions, agri-tech companies, or in the rapidly growing green investment sector,' he said. Meanwhile, DPK Steering Committee chairman Haris Alimudin said in his speech that DPK recorded a net profit of RM20.03 million, attributed to more efficient and strategic fund management.