KLANG, The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has received a total of 18,642 applications for the BUDI Agri-Komoditi assistance to date. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said that although the number of applications received from farmers and smallholders across Peninsular Malaysia is quite high, KPKM still hopes that more individuals from this group will apply in the future. 'The number is generally substantial, but we still hope that more will come forward to apply, and the ministry will facilitate the application process. 'We hope that those eligible will apply for the assistance so that the government's effort to ensure subsidies are targeted at those who deserve them can be achieved,' he told reporters after launching the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) Fest 2024@ Selangor programme here today. The BUDI MADANI initiative, launched on May 28, serves as a platform for distributing cash aid for diesel subsidies. It benefits individual diesel vehicle owners under the BUDI In dividu category and agriculture and commodity smallholders under the BUDI Agri-Komoditi category. Farmers and smallholders in Peninsular Malaysia who are registered with the KPKM or the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities will receive RM200 per month. Meanwhile, Mohamad said that Malaysia has the potential to explore the food product market in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries as part of the government's efforts to further increase the country's international exports. 'For example, our country's coffee, such as Tongkat Ali, is well-known abroad and can be accepted in the international market. Therefore, we need to use this opportunity to explore CIS countries like Kazakhstan and Tajikistan,' he said. Commenting on the progress of KPKM's efforts to assist the Orang Asli community in cultivating durian on a large scale, he said the matter is still under discussion with the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). Earlier, Mohamad said the FAMA Fest 2024@Selangor programme, which ru ns for four days starting Thursday, is an annual event by FAMA to promote and introduce local agricultural and agro-food products to the public. A total of eight FAMA Fest series are targeted to be implemented this year, starting in Perak, followed by Sarawak, Pahang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Sabah, with a sales target of RM7.85 million, involving 755 entrepreneurs. Source: BERNAMA News Agency