Reclaim assets to revive Felda, say children of settlers

Anak chairman Mazlan Aliman.

MELAKA: The National Felda Settlers’ Children’s Association (Anak) has proposed to the government to reclaim Felda’s assets leased to Kumpulan FGV in an effort to revive the agency.

Anak chairman Mazlan Aliman said Felda owned 320,000ha of land which it leased to FGV and, once recovered, could earn the agency up to RM1 billion a year.

Mazlan, who is also the chairman of the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP), said taking back the assets was better than securing financial loans to restore Felda.

“Instead of taking a loan, it is better if the government ‘bails out’ the land (from the land lease agreement with FGV). I understand this will cost about RM2.5 billion,” he told reporters after a paying a courtesy call on Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari in Seri Serdang, Ayer Keroh, today.

He said proposals by certain quarters for the government to take up new loans were not appropriate as it would burden the government, which was already paying interest on older loans.

Mazlan said that by taking over the assets, Felda could increase its revenue streams and further strengthen its cash flow.

He said that Felda also had 68 oil palm processing factories operated by FGV.

“If we can take back the plants and land from FGV, I am confident the Pakatan Harapan government can restore Felda within five years,” he said.

Mazlan said the matter had been discussed and viewed positively by the government and a White Paper would later be presented in Parliament. - FMT