MALAYSIA and Indonesia have reached a resolution to reduce poverty and increase food security inin Southeast Asia, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Idris Jusoh said today. 

Idris said Asean will use the Felda model to overcome poverty in the region.

He said a committee will be established to plan the actions to be taken to reduce poverty and raise food security at the Asean level.

“We see this as an opportunity for better collaboration between Felda and our friends in Indonesia in food security, (which has become) a big issue these days.

“We will put pressure on the plan in Asean,” he said after receiving a courtesy call from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials at Menara Felda today.

Indonesia is the 2023 Asean chair.

Meanwhile, on the Felda settlers’ loans, Idris said there is no plan to write off the borrowings.

“In the past, we have written off 80% of Felda settlers’ loans amounting to RM8.3 billion. We cannot blame one party. We are always open to discussion,” he added.

Gerakan Ekonomi Malaysia has urged Felda to forgive the settlers’ RM10.38 billion debt accumulated since 2021.

GEM president Armin Baniaz Pahamin said Felda has failed to provide a clear statement on how much is owed. – Bernama, February 27, 2023.