YAN: Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) today donated three combine harvesters worth RM414,000 to the Kedah State Tithe Board (LZNK).
PNB's sharia management chief Dr Ahmad Basri Ibrahim said the machines are expected to reduce padi cultivation costs for farmers participating in the Large-Scale Smart Padi Field (SBB Smart) Programme at Batu 17 in Yan.
"I understand harvesting machines are rented by LZNK for the SBB Smart participants.
"With these machines available now, they will be able to reduce operational costs," he told a press conference at Batu 17 here.
Also present was LZNK deputy chief executive officer (Operations) Dr Mohd Faisal Mustaffa.
Basri said corporate social responsibility initiatives are also carried out in other states in collaboration with agencies and foundations.
"For example, in Kelantan, we contribute to people with disabilities participating in chicken farming.
"Other contributions include assistance to flood victims and Covid-19 victims," he added.
Faisal said the three machines would boost the income of SBB Smart participants, adding that farmers now pay RM110 to rent a combine harvester for work on a 'relong' (0.288 hectares).
