Transformation Of Felda To Forge Ahead As Nation's Pride
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Felda is undergoing a transformation process by reorganising its strengths to face new challenges, to remain relevant, sustainable and continue to be the pride of the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
In a post on X, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said Felda is no longer just relying on traditional sectors but is now exploring the fields of education, entrepreneurship, food technology, arts and culture to ensure its survival and success.
"Since its establishment 69 years ago, Felda has not only been the backbone of rural development, but has also opened up opportunities for more than 112,638 settlers and almost three million Felda generations nationwide to enjoy a better life.
"Felda today is no longer just about rubber, oil palm and land scheme. It is undergoing a process of reorganising its old strengths to face new challenges, to remain relevant, sustainable and continue to be the pride of the country.
"I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all Felda settlers for their sacrifices, efforts and unwavering spirit since the establishment of Felda. God willing, with the support of all parties, Felda will continue to be a catalyst for rural prosperity and a strategic asset for the country," he said in conjunction with Felda Settlers' Day today (July 7).
Ahmad Zahid said that since the beginning, Felda has remained with the mandate of providing land to the landless, creating dignified jobs and eradicating poverty, which has been the basis of its success to this day.
For 2025, he said several key agendas would be the backbone of joint efforts for the benefit of the people and the country, including efforts to restore Felda's values and dignity to a higher level.
He said this included strengthening the economic well-being of settlers through increased income, new opportunities and community empowerment as national goals to uphold the services of settlers and ensure that they continue to be the backbone of rural and national development.
In addition, Ahmad Zahid said Felda's role also needed to be strengthened as a major power in the world's food and commodity industry, given that Malaysia is now emerging as a major player in the global palm oil industry through FGV, the world's third-largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer.
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