AFTER the list of scandals and mismanagement in Felda, settlers are cautiously optimistic of yet another plan to save the beleaguered institution.

“It’s a relief to see the new government has promised to absorb the interest on our loans and start paying out the living allowances on time,” said Amran Shukor, 59, who owed Felda RM19,000 for replanting oil palm.

“But more importantly, we have to see how they manage the agency,” said the Palong 9 settler.

Palong 9 is one of 16 settlements found in Wilayah Raja Alias, in Negri Sembilan. Each settlement averages around 150 settler families.

Settlers who allow Felda or its operational arm, Felda Technoplant Sdn Bhd, manage their lands get lower yields than those who manage their own lands, said the second-generation settler.

“The new Felda team has to ensure they provide better expertise and supervisors at Technoplant,” said Amran, after attending Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali’s event at Palong 9.

Azmin, is on a roadshow to all the 11 Felda territories, to explain the Felda white paper tabled on April 10.

Although the government proposal has been tabled, many settlers remain unsure about the implications and plans made for the federal land agency.

The government has allocated RM6.23 billion to absorb all interests costs of the settlers’ loans (RM2 billion), complete abandoned housing projects for settlers (RM250 million), replanting (RM1 billion), living allowances (RM480 million) and restructuring of loans (RM2.5 billion).

Omar Jonit, 60, who arrived late for Azmin’s event, only caught the last part of the minister’s speech.

“It’s good that they promised to pay allowances on time. For the past few months, we have been getting it late. But I’m still not sure if the RM1,500 per month he was talking about applies to me,” said Omar, who plants rubber on all his 4ha.

Omar said he is also clueless about the white paper’s content and came to listen to Azmin.

Omar, who moved here as an “additional settler” (peneroka tambahan), said the previous Barisan Nasional government was more popular as it gave out bonuses every year.

“Each settler got RM15,000 and even their wives and children also had bonuses. They also gave out Raya money. So of course they were popular.

“But we didn’t know then that they were borrowing money to pay out these bonuses. This is something we would have to pay for eventually,” said the Malaccan.

While BN was popular because of the bonuses, it was unfair to compare them with Pakatan Harapan, he said.

“One has only governed for 11 months while the other was in power for 61 years. So, we have to give them time,” said the Palong 12 settler. 

“One thing good about this government though is that they have started arresting the corrupt,” said Omar, as he watched the people remove the tents set up for Azmin’s event.

For the “Program Rapat Peneroka Felda” event, tents have been set up opposite the Nurul Iman mosque in Palong 9. Settlers were bused in from other settlements here. Billboards with information about the Felda white paper were also put up at the settlements.

Aishah Ramli, 65, who came from Palong 8 said the spectacle reminded her of the previous government.

“Just like the old days,” she said.

But like other settlers, she seemed optimistic about Azmin’s announcements, which are similar to his Parliament speech.

“I just hope they can raise the oil palm and rubber prices,” said Aishah, as Azmin promised everything short of that. – April 23, 2019.