A TOTAL of 7,477 Felcra participants in Sarawak are eligible for profit distributions worth RM46.6 million this year, Rural Development Minister Mahdzir Khalid said.

So far, he said, RM31.6 million had been disbursed for interim distributions 1 and 2, while the remaining RM15 million would be distributed in interim 3, which is expected by early next year.

“This year’s profit is higher due to the increase in oil palm price in the market to RM1,060 per tonne compared to RM280 per tonne the previous year,” he told a press conference after a gathering with Felcra participants at the National Institute of Public Administration Sarawak Regional Campus in Kuching.

Speaking at the event, Mahdzir said Felcra would continue to strengthen its plantation activities to ensure all its participants received maximum benefits.

“Based on the 12th Malaysia Plan, Felcra Bhd aims to open up more than 1,000ha of new plantations throughout Sarawak. It will create opportunities and benefits for almost 700 new participants from Sarawak,” he said.

At the ceremony, Mahdzir also presented school aid to 100 B40 pupils as well as food baskets to 100 Felcra families. – Bernama, December 5, 2021.