NGO proposes RCI for Felda

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Felda Settlers' Children's Association (Anak) has proposed to the Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) that a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) be established to investigate issues related to Felda, said Anak chairman Mazlan Aliman.

Mazlan spoke to reporters after giving a briefing to the CEP on the issues allegedly faced by the world's third largest oil palm company going by crop acreage.

He said the issues raised at the briefing included the critical financial position, leakage of funds and Felda assets.

Mazlan said he also suggested that the settlers' debt, allegedly exceeding RM100,000 per individual, be reduced by 50 per cent, and that the Aidilfitri aid be raised to at least RM1,000 from the current RM900 and be given even to settlers who managed their own plantations.

He said that in the 46-page recommendation, he also proposed that the CEP review or terminate the operations of the Felda company, Felda Techno Plant.

“We found that it has failed in its responsibility to the settlers. Some have not received yields, some received differing yields and some have suffered losses,” he said.

Mazlan said Felda should be restructured and claimed that the listing of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) had resulted in Felda losing almost 60 per cent of its source of revenue or RM1 billion.