Wait ends for Felda Ulu Belitong settlers
KLUANG: The 32-year wait for land grants for 461 settlers in Felda Ulu Belitong ended yesterday.
They were handed the titles by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is Sembrong member of parliament, at the Felda Sembrong Carnival in Felda Ulu Belitong.
Felda Ulu Belitong chief Hamzah Kuani, 62, said he was touched that the government recognised the settlers’ efforts.
He said he was grateful for the help from Hishammuddin, Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the 5,000ha Felda Ulu Belitong was opened in 1976, with all 461 original settlers receiving their grants yesterday.
“Each settler received grants for 4.047ha of farm land and 0.101ha of land for housing. We are thankful we have good leaders in Johor. We have received a lot from them and we must reciprocate the good deeds of the government.”
Settler Mohd Sari Ahmad, 61, said he was thankful that his family now had the grant to the land they had been working on.
“Settlers will hold a kenduri kesyukuran (thanksgiving feast) to show how grateful we are to the government, especially (Hishammuddin) and the menteri besar.”
Settler Suriah Ismail, 65, said the settlers could now rest easy with the grants “firmly in hand”.