The government has allocated RM450 million over the next three years to repair and build new housing for FELDA staff in settlements nationwide as part of seven special incentives announced in conjunction with FELDA’s 70th anniversary.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation would fund the phased upgrading and construction of staff housing to safeguard the welfare of FELDA personnel and boost morale.
The housing allocation forms part of a broader package of initiatives covering financial assistance, settlers’ housing, education, healthcare, digital literacy and staff welfare.
Anwar also announced a RM990 million grant to finance Sukuk loan repayments, including the write-off of settlers’ debts, adding that the government plans to allocate more than RM1 billion in 2027, while calling on FELDA’s board and management to uphold the highest standards of governance.
To address longstanding concerns over housing for the younger generation of settlers, the government will establish a committee to resolve legacy issues involving five key strategic initiatives, including the Two Houses on One Lot (2R1L) concept.
The Prime Minister also said the government would restore FELDA’s crude palm oil sales model to its pre-FGV Holdings Berhad listing structure, a move expected to generate an additional RM42 million in income for settlers through the Koperasi Permodalan FELDA.
To strengthen digital literacy, Anwar announced RM15.85 million for 317 FELDA settlements under the national JENDELA infrastructure programme, with each settlement eligible to receive RM50,000 to improve digital skills, online safety and digital entrepreneurship.
The government also set aside RM10 million to repair 269 primary schools and 101 secondary schools in FELDA areas requiring urgent upgrades.
For healthcare, Anwar announced an additional RM3 million for the FELDA Maya Health Squad, which has trained 1,555 volunteers and conducted more than 18,000 health screenings across 371 FELDA settlements since its launch last year.
He expressed hope that the seven initiatives would improve the wellbeing of settlers, the younger generation and FELDA staff while strengthening the future of the agency.
