SEREMBAN: Children of Felda settlers in the Palong 12 scheme can soon apply for lots to build their own homes, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The state government, he said, identified a 5.7ha area in the scheme that would be subdivided into 100 lots.
“The land is owned by the state government and we have agreed to give it to the second- and third-generation Felda settlers.
“They will only be charged a small fee for some costs incurred such as to measure and subdivide the lots,” he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting at Wisma Negri here.
Each lot will be about 4,000sq ft in size.
Aminudidn said the state government hoped to launch the project early next year and among the criteria for eligibility is that the applicant lived in the same scheme.
“We are in the midst of finalising details on who can apply for the lots.
“It is our hope to do this as quickly as possible because this will also prevent the younger generation from leaving the schemes,” Aminuddin said.
He added that the state government would also carry out the initiative in other Felda schemes in the state.
“The Palong 12 scheme is a pilot project. We intend to carry out the programme in other schemes where we own land,” he said.
He added that those successful would be allowed to design their own houses based on their affordability.
The move, he said, would also help cushion the effects of a labour crunch faced in some schemes.
“They can either continue to work in the schemes or run their own businesses. The choice will be theirs,” he said.
On a separate matter, Aminuddin said state civil servants who register as volunteers and are roped in to help victims in the event of floods would be entitled to unrecorded leave.
He hoped private-sector employers would also consider providing this privilege to their employees who register as volunteers and are called upon to help victims.
