Gov't allocates RM810m for Felda welfare

The Pakatan Harapan government has allocated RM810 million for the welfare of Felda settlers under Budget 2020.

Of this amount, RM250 million is meant to increase the income of 11,600 settlers.

While RM300 million is to wipe out the interest accrued on loans taken by Felda settlers.

The Harapan manifesto had included a promise to "abolish unnecessary debts" imposed on the settlers.

This promise was supposed to have been fulfilled in the first 100 days of government but was not.

Meanwhile, RM70 million has been allocated for housing for the new generation of Felda settlers, RM100 to improve Felda settlements' water supply and RM90 million to upgrade their roads and basic infrastructure.

A RM550 million loan fund has also been established for oil palm smallholders who want to replant their crops.

The loan is collateral-free, at an interest rate of 2 percent annually, with a tenure of 12 years and a four-year moratorium on payments.

For rubber planters, RM200 million has been allocated for monsoon season aid for smallholders under Risda or Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS).

The government is also putting up a RM100 million rubber production incentive for smallholders.

RM738 million has also been allocated for Felcra and Risa to implement income-generating programmes.