‘Locals at top levels in Ladang Rakyat schemes’
LAWAS: A local should sit in the board of management of Ladang Rakyat oil palm schemes and capable local people should be given priority for contract works and other economic opportunities in the oil palm schemes.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, gave this view at the presentation of dividends to shareholders of Ladang Rakyat schemes and mosque trust board.
The dividends amounting to RM911,429.24 were paid to participants of Felcra Berhad Kuala Gemilang, Felcra Berhad Sundar Awat-Awat Estate Plantation Berhad, Ladang Rakyat Pelita Tumbahak, Ladang Rakyat Pelita Gandingan Serasi, Lembaga Amanah Masjid Sundar and Lembaga Amanah Masjid Awat Awat at Lawas Indoor Stadium yesterday.
“There should be transparency in management and at least one capable local board director should be appointed,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources, said Felcra, which
There should be transparency in management and at least one capable local board director should be appointed.
acts as scheme managers, should help provide guidance to locals in undertaking contract jobs in the plantations.
“Local shareholders hold 90 per cent of the equity while LCDA holds 10 per cent as agent in Ladang Rakyat schemes managed by Felcra.
“Every scheme must have locals at top level, including a minimum one director in management board in each company as the local community owns 90 per cent of the shares,” he pointed out.
He also called for transparency in the management of the plantations where shareholders are entitled to know the plans and operational matters.
“The management should also be receptive to good ideas and locals given priority in economic activities relating to the plantations instead of outsiders. Give the opportunity to locals if they have the capability, give them the guidance if there is determination,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister advised locals to take up contract jobs in the plantations as they provide lucrative incomes.
On the dividends paid out, he said he had persuaded the top management of Felcra who met him to pay out higher dividends before this Hari Raya celebration.
The quantum depends on the size of their land developed under the Ladang Rakyat concept where shares instead of land titles are issued for native customary rights land.
On the month of Ramadan, he said it is a time for contrition and forgiveness for any wrongs through fasting and prayers.
Also present at the function were Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Gumbang, Lawas district officer Hussaini Hakim, LCDA deputy general manager Razali Zainuddin and representatives of Felcra.
The top management from Felcra Kuala Lumpur and Kuching failed to make it in time for the dividends presentation ceremony because their flight to Kota Kinabalu from Kuching was delayed yesterday.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Chief Minister