Settler development programme to create outstanding community - Radzi

The Felda Settler Development Program (PPP) Felda will not only help to increase the income of settlers but will also create an outstanding community, said Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

At the same time, he said, the programme will also create jobs in the Felda areas, especially for the second generation and youths.

Radzi said during the tabling of the “Towards the Sustainability of Felda” White Paper in April last year, the government had allocated RM6.23 billion to Felda including RM1 billion for PPP for four years.

“Felda is working hard to develop sustainable development and entity to help the settlers. This is a commitment of the Pakatan Harapan government,” he told reporters after a community feast with Felda Sahabat settlers in Lahad Datu, Sabah last night.

As part of his first visit to Felda Sahabat, Radzi also took a look at two PPP projects - the Felda Sahabat integrated cattle breeding project by Bakri Pewardi, and the dragon fruit project by Fadzly Sultan, both sons of Felda settlers.

Radzi urged settlers to use technology to get high output and make the PPP a success.

He said the government had approved RM5 million to upgrade the Fajar Harapan water treatment plant and the mechanical system at the Cenderawasih water treatment plant. This will benefit the 13,832 settlers in Felda Sahabat.

He added that RM6.23 million had also been allocated to upgrade the electric generator engine at the Sahabat generator station and another RM3.83 million to upgrade the electric generator at the Cenderawasih station.

Meanwhile, Felda director-general Othman Omar who was also present at the event said under PPP, six projects were part of the Integrated Agriculture and Smart Agriculture programmes aimed at increasing the income of settlers.

He said this included roselle planting in Felda Chuping, Kedah, broiler chicken rearing in Felda Kerteh, Terengganu and integrated cattle rearing in Felda Sahabat 1 to Sahabat 5 in Sabah. - Bernama