Settlers express gratitude for incentives
PUTRAJAYA: Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers expressed their gratitude and thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for granting special incentives to ensure the welfare and prosperity of the community.
Felda settlers' head Samsudin Othman said the short-term, medium and long term incentives were a welcome news for all 112,635 settlers in the 317 Felda settlements across the country that will ease their burden and the debt relief incentive would provide relief to settlers.
"We Felda settlers are grateful and thankful to the prime minister," he told reporters after attending the national level Felda Settlers Day 2017 celebration at Dataran Putrajaya, here yesterday.
At the event, Najib announced six incentives for Felda settlers in the form of debt disposal, incentive payment, the setting up of a special fund and grant, as well as a housing incentive, among others.
Commenting on allegations that Felda settlers were heavily indebted in various types of loans, Samsudin who denied the allegations said the debts incurred by the settlers included subsistence loans between RM1,000 to RM1,500 which was to assist those carrying out oil palm plantation projects to live a more comfortable life.
"The government is kind enough to advance loan for living costs. If the government does not loan the money, the settlers have to wait for three years to reap the results. This is the amount that has led to the settlers' debts reaching RM80,000.
“This are debts created by the settlers themselves. Felda does not encourage the policy of being in debt, instead it's better still if they can make do without taking a cost of living loan," he said
Mohammad Zainal Mohd Yusof, 61, from Felda Palong, Negeri Sembilan said it portrays the commitment and sincerity of the prime minister who always considered the welfare of the settlers.
"This is the first time we got six incentives at the same time, and I'm very grateful for the announcement today. We are always loyal to the government because it is always thinking of our welfare.
“I am also delighted to celebrate the Prime Minister's birthday here," said the retired army man, adding that Felda always gave good returns to the settlers.
For Halimah Awang, 58, from Felda Soeharto, Selangor, she is grateful to the government for remembering the people who are loyal to Felda and who have always benefited in various forms.
"I really love Felda, which has done a lot for the settlers. We hope the current Felda generation will look after Felda well in the future," she said.
Meanwhile, Asmawi Ani, or more popularly known as Mawi, from Felda Taib Andak, Kulai, Johor, said the government had always given top priority to the well-being of Felda settlers by providing all forms of incentives and facilities since 1956. – Bernama