Felda offers incentives to attract M’sian workers

THE Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has introduced several incentives, including housing, vehicle and medical allowances, in an effort to attract more Malaysians to work as farm operators, the Dewan Rakyat was told.

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 meant to reduce dependency on foreign workers in the sector.

“In addition, Felda is also working with the National Anti-Drug 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 to former convicts who are under parole in the effort to return ex-detainees to society,” he said in reply to a question from Datuk Ahmad Nazlan Idris (BN-Jerantut).

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

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