Settlers’ problems with Felda will be sorted out soon, says Najib

MARAN: Felda settlers having issues with the federal land development authority should be a happy lot soon.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said he had heard the gripes of the settlers and had taken steps to address the issues.

“We have always done a lot to help Felda settlers but I am not satisfied because I want to do more for the Felda community. The settlers have written memorandums and some have come to me with complaints.

“Among their problems are late payments from Felda for their palm oil produce, failure to collect produce, expensive housing, as well as incomplete and late financial statements,” he said.

“That is why we have formed a lab to discuss these issues.”

Najib said that from it will come 200 to 300 suggestions to improve Felda’s administration soon, which he will announce.

He was speaking at the Felda Settlers Day celebration in Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Jengka here yesterday.

The laboratory session to improve Felda’s direction was announced by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim on Sept 4.

It will brainstorm the best ways to improve the Felda business model in line with current developments and challenges.

On palm oil, Najib said he has discussed with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, the setting up of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries.

As a result, the price of the commodity has increased by RM400 per tonne, he said.

“There are measures we can take to help improve palm oil prices even though it depends on the world’s economic situation that is beyond our control.

“The world economy doesn’t go up all the time. Sometimes it goes up and sometimes it goes down. We have to understand that this is out of our control,” he said.

Najib urged Felda settlers to be patient because there was always a solution to every problem.

“Don’t destroy what we have all built. We can solve our problems together.

“The one that set up Felda and gave direction to everyone is none other than the government of the day. I ask for your continued support for the Government because we are committed to the uplifting of rural communities.

“The late Tun Abdul Razak did not want to see only houses in Felda settlements. He wanted bastions for the Government,” Najib said.

The Prime Minister opened the RM90mil Stadium Tun Abdul Razak during the event.