Felda 2.0 transformation initiative gets off the ground
DATUK Seri Najib Razak, in launching the project at 60-year-old Felda Lurah Bilut, says it will transform the settlement into a ‘smart and sustainable community’.
FELDA 2.0 is set to develop and upgrade Felda settlements nationwide, thus making it a sustainable community, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said Felda 2.0 was an initiative that would emphasise an “open and connected” approach within the Felda community with current technology.
“For a start, Felda Lurah Bilut was chosen as the pioneer of the project, which will transform the settlement into a smart and sustainable community.
“This initiative will see various transformations in the settlement; from its community, economy and environment to infrastructure,” he said at the launch of Felda 2.0 in Felda Lurah Bilut, near here, yesterday.
The improvements include an upgrade of 4G and WiFi infrastructure throughout the settlers’ land.
The improved connectivity and higher speed of Internet access will facilitate higher productivity for businesses and the settler community.
Najib said Lurah Bilut was chosen as the pioneer of the project as it was the first land scheme developed in 1958. He said some 6,000 settlers at Felda Lurah Bilut would benefit from the initiative. Najib added that as changes were unavoidable in order to move forward, the settlers needed to embrace these with an open mind.
“Felda settlers cannot afford to be complacent and remain in their comfort zones. We must be proactive by creating more jobs within the settlements, especially for the educated and skilful younger generation, so that they will not migrate to cities,” he said.
At the event, Najib also announced an additional allocation of RM50 million for Felda 2.0.
“The government will also approve the feed-in-tariff quota of solar power to 80 megawatt for 16 settlements this year and next year.” Present at the launch were Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and Pahang state exco members.
Shahrir said Felda 2.0 would change the landscape of 317 Felda settlements nationwide.
Felda was established on July 1, 1956 under the Land Development Ordinance 1956 with the objective to eradicate poverty through land development and resettlement of rural people.
The 317 Felda land schemes spread out through the country are set to reap the benefits of Felda 2.0. The new initiative is not only focused on creating a Felda community that is smart and sustainable, but also resilient in terms of economy and environment.
Felda 2.0 emphasises an “open and communicable” strategy or approach that brings development in the Felda community that suits the current technological facilities and meets future aspirations. Felda Lurah Bilut had undergone rapid development with various facilities.
In fact, in November last year, it was recognised as the first land scheme which had become a smart town through the Bilut Digital Valley, which was a pioneer project under the Felda 2.0 initiative.
Felda Lurah Bilut was chosen as the pioneer of the project, which will transform the settlement into a smart and sustainable community. DATUK SERI NAJIB RAZAK