Felcra Bhd today inked its first-ever memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Pahang State Development Corporation (PKNP) to explore economic opportunities in the state.
Listed in the MOU between the federal corporation and the Pahang government-owned body were projects to market halal beef, manufacture feed for livestock, and build a halal complex, plus an “agripark” in Pahang.
Also included was a mining project in Sungai Panching, Kuantan on a 280-acre site.
Addressing a press conference afterwards, Felcra Bhd CEO Mohd Nazrul Izam Mansor (above, left) said they will be mining for iron ore and gold.
He assured that any mining work would be done “sustainably” on land owned by Felcra.
“We need to emphasise that the mining that we undertake will be on (a) sustainable basis, there will not be destruction of the environment. (We are) going to make sure standard operating procedures (SOPs) will comply (with) environmental regulations.
“[...] What we are referring to now is land owned by Felcra that would be mined. We are mining iron ore and potentially, gold,” he said in Kuala Lumpur.
Similarly, PKNP CEO Mohd Faizal Jaafar (above, right) said that any mining on Felcra land would follow rules and procedures.
“We signed this MOU with Felcra because we found minerals in Felcra land, aside from our existing mines on government land.
“We wanted to explore and look for a new business. We went to Felcra and luckily, Felcra agreed to the initial stage, thus the MOU,” he said.
PKNP, through its subsidiary PKNP Mineral Industries Sdn Bhd, oversees bauxite mining in the state.
Bauxite mining in Kuantan has been on hold since 2015 following public outrage over the red dust pollution it caused.
New bauxite mining licenses are set to be issued following the implementation of a new SOP by the Pakatan Harapan government.
Drones for estates
Today’s MOU also included a joint commitment towards exploring the use of technology, including drones and artificial intelligence, in oil palm estates, padi farms and bamboo plantations in Pahang.
Nazrul expected technology to improve productivity and pare down cost.
“In the pursuit of us wanting to increase productivity, with labour issues and whatnot, utilising technology (will) complement and displace labour.
“[...] With the fourth industrial revolution, one of it is the application of drones. This will definitely help increase productivity of the estates, like in the process of tree counting,” he said.
Corporatised in 1997, Felcra stands for the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority.
Its primary aim is to uplift its 112,454 participants out of poverty by consolidating and rehabilitating idle land for oil palm, rubber, padi and other projects. - Mkini
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