MORE than 112,000 Felda settlers will benefit from six key incentives announced in Budget 2018 today, which includes a special payment of RM5,000.

Prime Minister Najib Razak also announced a slew of other benefits for the settlers, who are found in 54 parliamentary seats in Peninsular Malaysia and form a population of one million, including their family members.

Under Budget 2018, Putrajaya will reimburse the cess money that had been paid by settlers for replanting from rubbers to oil palm between 2010 and 2016.

“This will benefit 8,925 Felda settlers with an allocation of RM43 million,” said Najib during the presentation of Budget 2018 in Parliament today. 

Another benefit is a RM164 million allocation to build 5,000 homes for second generation Felda settlers, in collaboration with Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB). 

RM60 million will also be given to those in the oil palm replanting programme, and RM200 million for the upgrade of water supply systems, roads and street lights in Felda settlements. 

In an immediate reaction, a group representing the children of Felda settlers, Suara Generasi Ke-2 Felda (SGK2F), said they welcomed the government’s generosity in caring for the welfare of the settlers. 

“The announcement showed that the government is concerned with the people’s welfare and we truly welcome (the benefits) and highly appreciate it,” said the group. – October 27, 2017.