KUALA LUMPUR: Felda must no longer be treated as a separate or isolated entity, but instead be fully integrated into the nation’s development agenda, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Addressing Felda staff and community at Menara Felda on Thursday (March 5), he said all ministries and government departments have been instructed not to exclude Felda areas when implementing new projects or initiatives.
"I have instructed at the Cabinet meeting that all departments and ministries must not leave Felda as an isolated area when introducing any new project or initiative.
"Government facilities, whether in education or social services, must also reach Felda communities,” he said.
Anwar said the old approach, which treated Felda as if it could operate independently without full integration into national policies, must come to an end.
The Prime Minister said he attended Thursday's event with optimism, citing recent performance indicators showing improvements in production output, governance and programmes focused on the well-being of settler families.
He acknowledged that Felda had endured a difficult period in the past but said those challenges should serve as lessons for future recovery.
"We previously had to delist FGV Holdings Berhad from Bursa Malaysia due to legacy issues. It was a tough decision arising from serious problems, but the move has now become a key driver in restoring Felda’s position,” he said.
The prime minister also proposed that Felda’s 70th anniversary celebration be held on a large scale in Felda areas rather than in cities or enclosed halls, to strengthen the spirit of the settler community.
He said entities within the Felda ecosystem, including Koperasi Permodalan Felda Berhad, should be directly involved in organising the event. — Bernama
