JOHOR BARU: A planned celebration to honour Felda settlers in Johor has been cancelled following a decision by the Federal Government.
Caretaker agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said he was disappointed with the decision to cancel the Johor Felda Settlers' Day celebration.
"The decision was only conveyed to the state government four days before the event was scheduled to be held.
"We accepted the decision with an open heart, but we are also disappointed, especially as most of the preparations, including bookings for accommodation and food, had already been made.
"Many Felda settlers have also been eagerly waiting for the event, a once-a-year celebration that is meant to honour and appreciate their contributions," he said when contacted.
Zahari said more than 5,000 Felda residents from 73 settlements statewide had confirmed their attendance for the event, which was initially slated to be held on June 20 and 21 at Felda Ulu Belitong, Kluang.
Asked if the state government plans to organise the event on its own, he said that they may consider doing so.
"We are considering it and may have some small event to celebrate Felda settlers and show our appreciation for their contribution," he said.
Zahari said that the Johor state government's commitment to continue appreciating, supporting, and championing the welfare of the Felda community would never cease.
"All efforts planned for the well-being of the Felda community will continue to be implemented.
"Although the postponement was not initiated by us, we would like to apologise for the last-minute postponement out of a sense of responsibility," he said.
Zahari also said that this year's celebration would have been extra meaningful as it was also set to include the handing over of 210 land titles to Felda settlers.
"It marks an important milestone as the recipients were the remaining less than 1% of Felda settlers who have yet to receive their land titles," he said.
During the state assembly sitting in May, caretaker Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that 99.23% of the 27,642 Felda settlers in Johor had successfully received ownership titles for their land.
