Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today announced a windfall of RM106.81 million in "duit raya" via dividends for 33,864 smallholders nationwide.

Of the amount, RM38.16 million is allocated to 16,080 participants of the Cluster New Planting Scheme (RTBB), while RM68.64 million for 17.784 participants of the Commercial Replanting Scheme (TSK).

Najib said the dividend was increased by RM12.2 million compared to the RM94.5 million last year.

"As a government, we never stop looking for ways on how to safeguard the welfare of the people especially of those living in rural areas, including smallholders who are given proper attention and assistance.

"This is because farmers and the rural communities are the core support of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government today," he said when speaking at a ceremony for the presentation of dividends by the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) at the Pekan Convention Hall.

[More to follow]