THE Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) announced the appointment of Ahmad Shabery Cheek as its new chairman effective July 1.

Felda said the appointment would enable the continuity of Felda’s transformation effort to benefit existing settlers and also the next generation of settlers. 

Felda also conveyed its gratitude to Idris Jusoh, who will be completing his three-year tenure as Felda chairman on June 30. 

“Among his greatest success was the increased productivity of the plantations by more than two tonnes per hectare from 17.29 tonnes in 2021 to 19.43 tonnes in 2022, which contributed directly to the increase in income for settlers,” it said in a statement today.

Felda added that Idris also introduced the Digital Maker Hub: Coding and Robotic, smart classroom initiative and upgraded the Felda Mara Junior Science College to provide better access to quality education for the next generation of Felda settlers.

Idris was also credited with changing the mindset of settlers into becoming a more giving community with the establishment of Waqaf Felda, which has raised almost RM30 million that includes contributions from settlers themselves. – Bernama, June 28, 2023.