KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) needs to be looked at from a wider view and not just focused on plantation products alone.
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said, Felda still plays a role as a community formation centre for a long term and remains relevant in the future.
He said Felda should continue to exist and should not be shut just because of the losses that it recorded.
“If we go to a cafe, there are many stories about how it came and was processed. It carries the narrative of coffee and is associated with its people.
“I give a simple example. So if we look at Felda, it is different from some other countries such as Indonesia, Mexico or Columbia.
“In these countries, they are generated by large companies, but we are generated by the people themselves and have been able to change their fate since the opening until now. This is Felda’s narrative. So, is that a sign of failure?” Ahmad Shabery said in a Mingguan Malaysia report.
Previously, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, the government will continue the previously delayed Felda sukuk financing fund by channelling an allocation of up to RM1 billion per year for the next 10 years to Felda.
According to him, the measure taken was to ensure the survival and debt restructuring efforts of the agency.
In the meantime, Ahmad Shabery said, the special taskforce to address Felda issues led by Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar will continue.
It has not been closed and it helps to monitor the proposal and some other things such as the sukuk issue and the issue of sustaining Felda for the long term.
“It can also continue to help us guide Felda and meet future plans. I have not made any decision and will continue to discuss with Tan Sri (Abdul Wahid) to continue moving forward,” he said.
