Attractive renumerations entice locals to work with Felda

THE FEDERAL Land Development Authority (Felda) has introduced several incentives including housing, vehicle and medical allowances in an effort to attract more locals to work as farm operators.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Razali Ibrahim said the jobs offered to the settlers and the second Felda generation also promised more attractive salaries.

He said this was also to reduce dependency on foreign workers in the sector.

“In addition, Felda is also working with the National AntiDrug Agency in offering the opportunity to Cure and Care Rehabilitation Centre trainees under the ‘ Oil Palm For Life’ programme to work on Felda land schemes under the supervision and monitoring of appointed supervisors.

“Felda also works with the Prison Department by offering job opportunities for former convicts who are still under parole in the effort to return ex- detainees to the people,” he said in reply to a question from Datuk Ahmad Nazlan Idris ( BN- Jerantut) at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

Razali said, according to statistics, Felda comprises 225,829 ha in acreage, of which 40,139 ha is cultivated by Felda, while the remainder being managed by Felda Technoplant Sdn Bhd.

“Felda, currently, has 11,799 foreign workers while local workers made up of only 827 people or 10 per cent of the total,” he said. — Bernama