Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's presence among Felda settlers statewide at the Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Beris Jaya, Sik, Kedah yesterday, was much awaited by them.

Sweeter still, at the opening of the National Level Ramadan Programme, the Pime Minister announced the payment of raya money for them.

During the ceremony, Najib announced Hari Raya money amounting to RM43.2 mllion would be paid to settlers nationwide.

In Kedah, Halijah Abdullah, 62, from Felda Batu 8, Changlun said she was happy to meet the Prime Minister in person as, prior to this, she only saw him on television.

She said the RM400 Raya money meant a lot to her and helped her to cope with daily expenditure, adding that it also proved the government kept its promise.

    

Mahmud Ahmad, 62, who was staying in Felda Lubuk Merbau, near here, since 34 years ago, was thankful for the announcement on raya money and it showed the government appreciated the contributions of settlers.

He said the government had given much to the settlers and he felt fortunate to be in the Felda community.

Another settler, Siti Aminah Harus, 60, of Felda Guar Napai, near Changlun, said settlers could breathe easier at the many contributions from the government.

"Our lives are not like before. There are many changes now. When Felda makes profit, settlers too benefit. Today (yesterday) the Prime Minister also announced about giving us raya money. Very, very thankful," she said.

- Bernama