KUALA LUMPUR: FGV Holdings Bhd
is proud of its roots which runs deep in Malaysia’s first smallholders programme established under the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and will continue to support and champion the cause of all smallholders.
FGV itself has its genesis in Felda and until today continues to work closely with smallholders and settler families, offering the critical link between farmer and marketplace.
In fact, FGV is acknowledged as one of the largest supporters of smallholders in the world, said Group President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zakaria Arshad today.
“Today, six years after FGV’s listing on Bursa Malaysia, Felda remains our largest shareholder and an important stakeholder, as are the settlers,” he said in a statement in reference to an article published by Berita Harian Online on July 3, 2018 titled, “FGV Holdings Jangan Guris Hati Peneroka” which translates into “FGV Holdings, Don’t Hurt The Feeling of Settlers”.
Zakaria also said that FGV was determined to champion the cause of all smallholders on the international stage, especially at a time when the industry’s licence to operate was being challenged for a number of reasons.
“FGV has always respected the position of our smallholder suppliers, including the settlers and will work hard to preserve and strengthen the bond we have with them,” he said, adding that the company supported more than 112,000 settlers who produced and supplied a third of its fresh fruit bunch (FFB).
Another third of FGV’s production came from 350,000 hectares of plantations that were managed by FGV under a Land Lease Agreement (LLA) with Felda, Zakaria pointed out.
FGV pays Felda RM250 million, annually, for the leasing of the land.
In addition to that, FGV also shares 15 per cent of it’s annual profit from the LLA-related land with Felda.
“Noteworthy to mention that every year since our listing, FGV has never failed to pay dividends to its shareholders,” he said.
FGV also clarified that as of June 1, 2018, KPF owned 5.15 per cent or 187,966,608 shares in FGV and not 800 million shares as reported.
“We will continue to work towards ensuring all shareholders benefit from FGV’s growth and success,” he added. - Bernama
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