KUALA NERUS: The long-standing dispute over commercial plantation land between the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and the Terengganu State Government is finally nearing a resolution, according to Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that a series of productive discussions involving the Terengganu State Secretary and the Felda Control Division have paved the way for a settlement to a conflict that has spanned decades.
"God willing, it will be resolved in the very near future," he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Retreat and launching the ministry's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan on Sunday (Feb 8).
The friction intensified previously when the Terengganu government issued trespassing notices covering 10 plantations totalling roughly 15,000 hectares with the state alleging that Felda had been operating on this land for over 40 years without paying land premiums, taxes, or sharing profits.
These notices were served simultaneously to plantation managements across several districts, including Setiu, Besut, Kemaman, Marang, Dungun, and Hulu Terengganu.
The tone of the dispute later shifted from confrontation to cooperation following positive developments in the negotiations, with the Terengganu State Government extending the remedy period for Felda.
The decision had allowed both parties the space needed to finalise a fair and lasting agreement. — Bernama
