Smart partnership in the works to give Felda settlers a boost, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: A smart partnership between Felda and the government will be formed to help settlers improve their livelihoods, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said efforts are being made in six areas, including education and infrastructure, to solve the issues faced by both existing and future settlers.

"We will act as a facilitator and make several adjustments to address issues faced by Felda," he told reporters after chairing a coordinating meeting at Menara Felda on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Among them is coordinating with Felda to provide scholarships to students from Felda schemes to study abroad, said Ahmad Zahid.

"We agree to give scholarships to... the children and grandchildren of Felda settlers, perhaps via an allocation from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), to send them to study abroad," he added.

Aside from that, the smart partnership will involve coordinating Technical Vocational and Education Training (TVET) programmes handled by Felda, he said.

Other initiatives include boosting infrastructure and repairs at Felda schemes pending a decision by the Cabinet.

"In terms of 5G communications, I think it's fair to give better access to the settlers at more than 317 schemes across the country.

"There are more matters that will be discussed from time to time, but major decisions must be brought to the Cabinet and some adjustments (made) to certain Acts to allow us to make these adjustments at Felda schemes," Ahmad Zahid added.