Felda signs deal with Terengganu govt to settle land dispute

 The agreement clarifies ownership of plantations across six districts in the state.

The dispute between Felda and the Terengganu government involved 15,000ha of land cleared for 10 Felda plantations.

PETALING JAYA:

 Felda and the Terengganu government have signed an agreement to clarify the ownership of plantations across six districts in the state, bringing a long-standing land dispute between the two parties to an end.

Felda said this significant step continues the long history of cooperation between the two parties, dating back to 1969 through the Land Development Agreements (Terengganu Agreement), based on the Land Act (Group Settlement Areas) 1960.

“This solution will deliver economic benefits to the Felda community, supporting its socioeconomic agenda and well-being,” it said in a statement today.

Felda also thanked the federal government for facilitating the agreement, as well as the Terengganu government and other parties involved in finalising it.

The six districts in question are Besut, Setiu, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman.

Last month, Bernama reported deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying that a series of discussions had taken place between Terengganu’s state secretary and Felda’s control division, paving the way for a settlement.

The dispute involved 15,000ha of land cleared for 10 Felda plantations. The Terengganu government had accused Felda of trespassing by operating on the land for over 40 years without paying land premiums, taxes or share of profits.

Trespass notices were served simultaneously on the plantation managements. However, the state government later extended the remedy period for Felda to allow negotiations for a lasting agreement. - FMT