KUALA LUMPUR, 16 December - Three aid mechanisms are provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) as part of efforts to assist farmers affected by floods.

These are the Paddy Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP), the Agricultural Disaster Fund, and,the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP).

Agriculture and Food Security deputy minister, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the scheme covers paddy farmers, non-paddy crop entrepreneurs as well as a protection scheme for individual paddy farmers registered throughout the country.

Field surveys and census will be conducted within 14 days after the flood is over for the purpose of assessing aid.

"The census and investigation process carried out by the relevant departments and agencies for an affected area is within 30 days," he said in the Dewan Negara today.

"However, the process must be carried out carefully to ensure that all aid recipients are the target group in need and to prevent leakage and misuse of the aid," he added.

He said this when replying to Senator Datuk Wira Dr. Mohd Hatta Md Ramli.

Meanwhile, Arthur also announced that RM13.23 million had been channeled to 6,747 paddy farmers who suffered crop damage through the TBTP throughout this year until October.

The aid involves an affected area of over 12,800 hectares.