Settlers look forward to revival, hope no more repeat of mistakes
KUANTAN: The RM6.2 billion financial aid boost for Felda should be seen as a move to help revive its projects and return settlers to their former glory.
Felda Bukit Goh settler Mat Zahari Deraman, 70, said if the new model and business plan worked out, they would help the young generation of settlers improve their lives.
“Most first- and second-generation settlers have enjoyed the benefits and privileges before Felda hit a bumpy ride recently. I hope the government has a detailed plan to address the problem and there will be no more set- backs in the future.
“The settlers are excited and can’t wait for the next series of announcements for the new plan,” he said yesterday.
Felda Bukit Goh welfare committee deputy chairman Nik Abdul Majid Nik Sin said he hoped the government would also consider assisting settlers here, who had been affected by the bauxite mining controversy, as many had no proper income since a moratorium was enforced in 2016.
Second-generation settler Shahrinahar Latib, 33, said despite the financial aid, settlers were required to repay loans.
“Things are quite bad these days as some settlers only earn less than RM500 a month. It has been some time since we enjoyed the extra benefits or bonus.
“Nowadays, most settlers receive their subsistence assistance late, and many of us are piled with huge debts,” said the Felda Jengka 7 settler.
In Jempol, Negri Sembilan, settlement headman Karip Mohd Salleh said international rating agency Moody’s Investors Service should not have sensationalised the financial aid negatively, but instead, look into the need for such aid.
“What the government is doing is to help settlers, and Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali is expected to attend an event in Palong Sembilan tomorrow to hand over cheques amounting to RM250 million to help resume the abandoned Felda New Generation Housing (FNGH) project,” he said.
Mohd Azlan Ismail, 39, a second-generation settler in Pasoh Dua, said he supported the government’s efforts to resolve the agency’s problems.
He said the allocation could also be used to resume the abandoned FNGH projects, including the one in Felda Pasoh Dua, which is now 70 per cent complete.