THE development of the Felda community is better under a government led by Barisan Nasional (BN) rather than Pakatan Harapan (PH), as proven by the BN government’s distribution of various assistance and creation of initiatives to help the community.

Caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the various assistance given to Felda settlers since the establishment of the agency, that are now being continued for the second generation, also proved the government’s concern and aspiration to improve the socio-economic status of the people in Felda settlement areas.

“Many initiatives for the Felda community have been announced by the government and we can see the difference in the treatment of the Felda community during the BN and PH administrations,” he said when attending the People’s Feast with the Sebertak Felda Community in Bera today.

At the Felda Settlers’ Day celebration in July, Ismail announced an allocation of almost RM65 million to implement five initiatives, including housing, for the settlers and their second generations.

Under Budget 2023, RM2.6 billion has been allocated to all main agencies regulating commodity activities, including Felda, and the allocation to upgrade the infrastructure at each settlement was also increased from RM50,000 to RM66,000 a year.

Ismail said the government had provided an opportunity for the new generation of Felda to expand their businesses with the establishment of the Felda Youth Entrepreneurs Fund, with a revolving allocation of RM10 million.

Ismail, who is Umno vice-president, also reminded all quarters not to engage in provocation during the campaign period for the general election (GE).

“I do not wish to see anybody lowering flags, or pulling out or tearing posters of contesting candidates. We have been living in peace and harmony before the election, so let’s maintain that peace and harmony during this campaign period.

‘It’s only for two weeks. Let’s not ruin our harmonious relationship, including in Bera,” he said in response to a report on certain people causing damage to the flags of a contesting party in Bera. 

On the atmosphere of the campaign period, which entered the third day today, Ismail, who is defending the Bera seat he has held since 2004, said he is satisfied with the support he has received so far.

“The mood is good and the support is rather encouraging for all BN candidates in the constituency,” he said.

The Bera parliamentary constituency has 77,669 voters and three state seats, namely Triang, Kemayan and Guai. BN has named Yee Cheng Hwa as its candidate for Triang, Khairulnizam Mohamad Zuldin (Kemayan) and Sabariah Saidan (Guai).

The Election Commission has set November 15 for early voting and November 19 for polling. – Bernama, November 7, 2022.