Felda to return native land to local communities

KOTA KINABALU: Up to 400ha of native land held by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) in Tambisan, Lahad Datu, will be returned to the local community.

In making the announcement, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the land issue as a long-standing problem that needed immediate resolution.

The matter, he noted, was raised by the state government and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah, thus necessitating his intervention.

“So alright, I agree to return this land,” said Anwar, adding that the return is now made possible by the Madani government.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during his visit to Felda Sahabat Lahad Datu, about 500km from here, yesterday.

In addition, Anwar said there are plans to build a dialysis centre at Felda Sahabat, which will alleviate the need for residents to travel to Lahad Datu town for treatment.

Earlier, he reiterated the government’s commitment to combating corruption and abuse of power.

He said the government upholds the law and will not tolerate any wrongdoing.

He added that under the current administration, civil servants saw their first salary increment in 12 years, and he wants accountability from everyone in the public sector.

Anwar said there will not be any compromise in dealing with those who “steal from the people” and those who misappropriate public resources.