Felda 2.0 Initiative set to transform Felda community

BENTONG: The Felda 2.0 Initiative, to be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Felda Lurah Bilut on Feb 4, will be a turning point to the community of 317 land schemes in the country.

Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abd Samad said unlike the main purpose of Felda's establishment some 60 years ago, with focus on improving the economic status of the rural population, the focal point of Felda 2.0 would be on the efforts of creating a smart and sustainable community.

“When we started Felda, it (the purpose) was for the development of human capital. That's why we could see that the settlers who were chosen comprised poor families and those with no land so that we could take them out of poverty.

“However, this time around, we will strengthen the community by providing various facilities for (their) children including health, education and technology that are equivalent with the facilities in the city.

“In addition, we will not only create a healthy and resilient community but also who are sustainable in terms of economy and environment,” he told reporters after attending the Felda Lurah Bilut Family Day celebration here, yesterday.

Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is also Bentong Member of Parliament; Felda general manager Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohd Ali; and Felda Lurah Bilut manager Mohd Khairul Nizam Alias.

According to Shahrir, there were now a total of 11 Felda regions nationwide, and that three of the regions, including Felda Lurah Bilut, had been chosen for the Felda 2.0 Initiative for a start.

“Every region will be allocated with RM10 million to improve the existing facilities such as offices and roads. It will be conducted in collaboration with other agencies and ministries such as the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development.”

Shahrir said Felda Lurah Bilut was selected for the initiative as it was the first land scheme embarked by the government to develop human capital 60 years ago, something that had never been done by other countries in the world.

Some 6,000 residents of Felda Lurah Bilut would enjoy the same standard of living in the city with the implementation of the Bilut Digital Valley project once the area is equipped with various infrastructure such as the 4G internet speed and fibre optic broadband, he added. - Bernama