SHAH ALAM: The government aid and incentives given to Felda settlers is to strengthen their socio-economy in line with the Merdeka Day theme “55 Years Of Merdeka, Pledges Fulfilled”.
Gabungan Wawasan Generasi Felda (GWGF) chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail said they are also provided community halls, schools, mosques, roads, housing and interest-free loans to rebuild or renovate their homes.
“Felda settlers are also given facilities like Skim Insentif Usahawan Felda and Skim Pinjaman Koperasi Permodalan Felda (KPF),” said Rozali who is also executive chairman of Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd in a statement here yesterday.
The government is also working with Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) to promote the ‘Edible Garden’ programme where all the produce would be purchased by Fama to help settlers increase their income.
Rozali said some 112,636 Felda settlers received a windfall when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the Aidilfitri gift.
“The tradition of giving duit raya to Felda settlers annually reflects the government care for the people’s welfare.
“This is the result of administrative efficiency and leadership of the government since Merdeka.”
He said that some people, especially the young, are ungrateful for all the benefits received as they are still mentally colonised.
“They are more likely to choose fun than appreciate the true meaning of Merdeka. The sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence are dismissed,” he added. — Bernama