Felda settlers to get RM300 'duit raya'

PETALING JAYA: All Felda settlers will get a special Hari Raya assistance of RM300, as well as arrears due to them, before the festival, says a circular from the Economic Affairs Ministry.

A leaked circular dated May 30 stated that the Cabinet had agreed to give the duit raya to 112,635 settlers.

The circular was confirmed to be true by sources and is expected to be announced Friday (May 31).

The special Hari Raya Aidilfitri assistance will be RM300 per settler, according to the circular.

"At the same time, Felda is asked to pay the arrears of Pinjaman Sara Hidup and Pendahuluan Hasil (cost of living and advance on produce aids) to the settlers involved.

"The Economic Affairs Minister proposes that Felda makes the payment as soon as possible before Hari Raya Aidilfitri to lessen their burden to celebrate the festival this year," said the circular signed by Datuk Yatimah Sarjiman from the Prime Minister's Department on behalf of the secretary general of the Economic Affairs Ministry.

Prior to this on May 23, Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had said the government did not intend to give “duit raya” to Felda settlers throughout the country.

He said this was because the country’s financial situation did not permit it to do so.

He then said that instead the government was giving priority to providing cost of living and advance on produce aids for the settlers before Hari Raya.

However, following that, there were calls from NGOs on behalf of Felda settlers, as well as PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, for the government to rethink the decision not to give "duit raya".