PASIR MAS: Poultry breeders in Kelantan who were affected by a mass culling exercise to control an outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) early this year are happy to receive news that they will be compensated for their losses.
Quail breeder Che Hamid Che Hassan said the money would ease his burden in making preparations for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
"The announcement made by the Veterinary Services Department is like a windfall to us.
"Many of us had suffered losses after our livestock either died or were culled by the department," said the 50-year-old, who is from Kampung Tempoyak.
Che Hamid lost 15,000 birds valued at RM22,000 due to H5N1 and the culling exercise.
Duck breeder Mohd Zaki Abdul Razak, 47, from Bunut Susu, said his family lost more than RM200,000 after 7,000 ducks bred for eggs were culled by the department.
"Praised be to God that finally we will get the compensation. Hopefully, it will help in the recovery process," he said.
It was reported recently that some 1,023 Kelantan farmers who were affected by the culling exercise will receive compensation totalling RM413,004 before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Veterinary Services Department (VSD) director-general Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan Nizam said the compensation is for the 55,451 birds and 17,531 eggs which were disposed of, and will be paid according to the type of bird and egg culled.