BENTONG: The Felda 2.0 Initiative, which will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Felda Lurah Bilut here on Feb 4, will be the start of a new phase for 317 settlements nationwide.
Felda chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abd Samad said the initiative was focused on creating a smart and sustainable community.
“The Government started Felda for human capital development. Therefore, the settlers chosen consisted of poor families and those without land to bring them out of poverty.
“This time, we will strengthen and develop the community by providing various facilities for children, including health, education and technology that are on par with those available in cities.
“Through the Felda 2.0 Initiative, we will not only create a healthy and resilient community, but also a sustainable one in terms of the economy and environment,” he told reporters after attending the Felda Lurah Bilut Family Day celebration here.
Also present was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is the Bentong MP.
Shahrir said three Felda regions, including Felda Lurah Bilut, were picked for the Felda 2.0 Initiative transformation as a start.
There are 11 Felda regions nationwide.
He said each region would receive a RM10mil allocation to upgrade its existing facilities such as offices and roads.
This would be conducted in collaboration with other agencies and ministries such as the Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
Shahrir said Felda Lurah Bilut was one of the chosen regions because it was the Government’s first attempt at human capital development 60 years ago.
He added that around 6,000 Felda Lurah Bilut settlers would enjoy a standard of living similar to that of cities through the implementation of the Bilut Digital Valley, which will equip the area with infrastructure such as 4G Internet access and fibre optic broadband. — Bernama
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