MELAKA: Delays of up to six months in agricultural payments and a shortage of housing land have prompted Felda community leaders in Melaka to demand solutions to longstanding problems affecting settlers.
Felda Air Kangkong village development and security committee chairman Ramzi Ayub said unresolved inheritance matters have disrupted payments for agricultural produce, particularly when several family members have claims over the same land.
“Many of these matters remain unresolved because family members have to appoint an administrator to manage inherited land.”
Disputes involving multiple heirs have complicated the distribution of earnings, prompting some settlers to sell their produce through other channels to avoid further delays.
Ramzi also called for improvements to plantation roads and fertiliser assistance, particularly for settlers who do not market their produce through Felda.
He said purchasing fertiliser independently adds to the families’ financial burden, who are already sharing agricultural earnings among several heirs.
Limited employment opportunities are another concern, prompting him to propose establishing an educational institution to generate jobs and stimulate local businesses.
“There is practically nothing here for the younger generation to pursue. They have to go to the towns to find employment,” he pointed out.
Ramzi also sought additional housing, better street lighting and a multipurpose hall, citing that residents sometimes pay about RM2,000 to rent facilities outside the settlement for community functions.
Felda Hutan Percha settlers’ chief Mohd Yusoff Jambak called for more land to accommodate housing demand among second-generation settlers.
“We have 285 settlers, but the land available can only accommodate about 60 to 80 houses.
“Who should we give them to? If we proceed with only that number, those who are left out will question why they were not selected.”.
Mohd Yusoff said discussions have been held with the assemblyman to identify another 20 to 30 acres of nearby land.
He said proceeding with a limited housing project risks dissatisfaction among the families who are left out.
