Don't fall prey to opposition, DPM tells Felda settlers

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today advised the two million Felda settlers to avoid falling prey to instigation and baseless accusations against the agency by opportunistic quarters.

He said there was interference by professional groups which were unethical by trying to influence and take advantage of the settlers for their own political and business interests.

"They instigated the settlers, using certain arguments and eventually used them to drag Felda to court. For example, the legal suit taken by a few Felda settlers does not benefit anyone, instead their good name is also affected," he said at the Semai Bakti Felda 2010 function at Dewan Perdana Felda in Kuala Lumpur.

Muhyiddin said of late, several issues had been raised by certain quarters for their own vested interest, and to confuse and divide the people.

"This irresponsible group also has a narrow political agenda and is out to tarnish the government's image."

He said Felda was a big organisation which had served the people and contributed to national development as its success had given a better life to some two million land scheme settlers throughout the country.

"Felda's success can be measured by the settlers' increased income, and their better standard of living, comfortable homes and the infrastructural facilities provided."

Income has improved

He said currently on the average, a settler could earn RM3,814 monthly from his oil palm holding and RM3,856 from rubber, besides given a residential lot and a farm lot to generate more income.

Hence, the deputy prime minister urged the settlers to focus on increasing their household income in order to enjoy an even better life.

On Felda, he said the agency must not be complacent with what it had achieved thus far, especially in the prevailing dynamic and sophisticated environment which required new approaches of doing things.

"Innovation and modern technology are measures that can help the settlers raise their income further," he said.

At the function, Muhyiddin also presented Semai Bakti medals to 16 officers and the Best Manager Award to five Felda Group officers for their excellent service, with the latter receiving RM5,000 worth of shares in Koperasi Permodalan Felda.

- Bernama