FELDA has regained ownership of the 16 plots of land along Jalan Semarak from Synergy Promenade Sdn Bhd. 

Felda chairman Shahrir Abdul Samad said the transfer is part of a new deal brokered with Synergy on January 15. 

“This is among the matters that were agreed upon, whereby Synergy would voluntarily switch the title deeds of the land with Felda,” he said at a news conference in Menara Felda, Kuala Lumpur, today. 

The switch proved that Felda kept its promises to regain ownership, he said.

“We are not just talking about it, which people have accused us of. Today proves that we mean what we say,” Shahrir said, adding that land transfer was done without cost. 

Despite the new agreement, police investigation into the alleged land scandal continues, he added. 

Shahrir, who is Johor Baru MP, declined to reveal the number of officers questioned by police. 

“It would be better if you asked the police.”

The investigation is focused on dubious transactions in 2015. Felda received no proceeds from four transactions, worth RM270 million, in connection with four plots of land along Jalan Semarak.

Berita Harian had quoted a source as saying the transaction occurred after Felda subsidiary, Felda Investment Corporation Sdn Bhd (FIC), appointed Synergy to develop the land on June 3, 2014.

The newspaper estimated the value of the land at RM1 billion. 

The transactions occurred under Shahrir’s predecessor, Isa Abdul Samad. Isa served on the board from 2011 until January 2017, when he resigned. 

He also served as chairman of Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) from January 1, 2011 until June 19, 2017 and as FIC chairman from July 2, 2013 until last year. 

Shahrir said today a special negotiations committee was created on February 8 to evaluate the land. The committee will be assisted by Public Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) of the Prime Minister’s office and a Felda board member. 

Shahrir added that the land is not in surety with any bank. – March 9, 2018.