logo
Felda communities to boost economy with RM100k village allocation

Felda communities to boost economy with RM100k village allocation

The Sun2 days ago
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) has unveiled plans to utilise the government's RM100,000 allocation per village to enhance socio-economic development across settler communities.
Key initiatives include tourism projects, SME support, and infrastructure upgrades tailored to local needs.
In Selangor, Hassan Mukmin Amat, a second-generation settler, proposed developing recreational attractions like an ATV park to boost tourism. 'Sungai Bernam is already popular among anglers, so we can capitalise on that,' he said.
In Terengganu, Mat Zain Mat Uyob plans to purchase a tractor to reduce palm oil transportation costs. 'This will save RM60 per ton and increase settlers' income,' he explained.
Kedah's Felda Laka Selatan will expand cabin accommodations due to high demand. Rodhi Md Rejab noted, 'Our cabins are fully booked weekly, thanks to our strategic location near schools and the Thai border.'
Melaka aims to support local SMEs. Nizam Baharom said, 'A sales hub will help small businesses market snacks like chips and pastries more effectively.'
Perlis will focus on facility upgrades and social programmes. Abdul Khair Hashim stressed, 'We'll ensure funds benefit the community long-term.'
Pahang, with the most Felda schemes, welcomes the allocation. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail urged residents to maximise the opportunity.
NegerI Sembilan and Johor will let villagers decide on projects. Muhammad Fadzli Hasan emphasised income-generating initiatives to foster self-reliance.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the funding yesterday, aligning with the MADANI government's empowerment principles. - Bernama
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thailand plans $572 million stimulus spending and will compensate border conflict casualties
Thailand plans $572 million stimulus spending and will compensate border conflict casualties

The Star

time17 minutes ago

  • The Star

Thailand plans $572 million stimulus spending and will compensate border conflict casualties

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand will spend 18.5 billion baht ($572 million) on stimulus measures to support the economy as it braces for the impact of U.S. tariffs, and will compensate families of those who died in last month's border conflict, officials said on Tuesday. The stimulus measures approved by cabinet are aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting student loans, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told reporters. The government still has about 25 billion baht of funds to use to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and for broader relief efforts, Julapun said. The U.S. last week set a 19% tariff on imported goods from Thailand, lower than the 36% rate announced earlier this year and more aligned with other countries in the region. Julapun said cabinet gave the government approval to prepare a joint statement on tariffs and trade with the United States, but said discussions were ongoing and there was no set signing date. On Tuesday, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce said it expected the economy to grow 1.7% this year. That is below both the finance ministry's revised forecast of 2.2% growth in 2025 and last year's actual growth of 2.5%. The cabinet also approved a 10 million baht ($310,000) payment to the families of government officials who died in the July conflict with Cambodia, while those injured will receive up to 1 million baht, government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap told a briefing. Families of Thai civilians who died during the conflict will each receive a payment of 8 million baht, he said, while the injured would receive up to 800,000 baht. ($1 = 32.35 baht) (Reporting by Kitiphong Thaichareon, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Thanadech Staporncharnchai; Writing by Orathai Sriring; Editing by John Mair)

Penang to roll out second phase of iSejahtera payments from Aug 6
Penang to roll out second phase of iSejahtera payments from Aug 6

The Star

time17 minutes ago

  • The Star

Penang to roll out second phase of iSejahtera payments from Aug 6

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will proceed with the second phase of iSejahtera payments for this year via electronic funds transfer to 9,405 recipients from Wednesday (Aug 6). State social development, welfare and non-Islamic affairs xommittee chairman Lim Siew Khim (pic) said the disbursement, amounting to RM1,721,300, reflects a continued commitment to the people's welfare. She said Phase 2/2025 payments will only be made to new applicants who registered before June 30 each year, while applications received after that date will be processed for Phase 1/2026. "For Phase 2/2025, the breakdown and number of recipients are as follows: the senior citizen appreciation schene covers 7,187 recipients totalling RM1,437,400; single mother assistance is for 317 recipients, amounting to RM317,000; "The golden housewife appreciation scheme involves 1,280 recipients totalling RM1,280,000; and aid for persons with disabilities will be given to 621 recipients amounting to RM124,200,' she said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 5). Lim said the state government has disbursed RM53.83mil to 285,816 recipients across various categories under Phase 1 and Phase 2 from January to July. This included RM41,987,600 for the senior citizen appreciation scheme to 209,938 recipients, and RM1,064,400 for single mother assistance to 10,644 recipients. "Other categories comprise the golden housewife appreciation scheme with RM4,423,100 for 44,231 recipients; RM3,121,600 for 15,608 persons with disabilities; the Anak Emas one-off payment of RM540,200 to 2,700 recipients; and the one-off death benefit contribution totalling RM2,695,000 for 2,695 recipients,' she added. She urged all applicants to promptly update their bank account details to ensure smooth disbursement for Phase 1/2026. Further information on the iSejahtera programme can be obtained by contacting the Kemara Unit at 04-650 5699 / 5700, visiting the iSejahtera office on Level 44, Komtar, during working hours from 9am to 5pm, or registering online via the official portal. – Bernama

Wee calls for independent IRB
Wee calls for independent IRB

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

Wee calls for independent IRB

KUALA LUMPUR: A member of Parliament has called for reform of the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), proposing that it be established as an independent statutory body accountable to Parliament rather than remain under the control of the Finance Ministry. Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (PH–Ayer Hitam) said such reform is necessary to ensure a clear separation that prevents any influence from political interests or fiscal pressures faced by the government. "IRB must not be seen as a political tool and should follow the dictates of the executive, regardless of who is in power. "It should no longer operate directly under the Finance Minister, as it has done previously and continues to do now. "So, I propose that IRB be established as an independent statutory body under the oversight of Parliament," he told the Dewan Rakyat during the 13th Malaysia Plan debate here today. Wee cited examples of the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, which is monitored directly by Congress, and the UK's His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, which operates independently from ministerial instruction. He said these agencies have their own board of directors, and decisions related to audits or investigations cannot be directed by the government. Meanwhile, Wee said there has been a growing number of complaints from small and medium enterprises, who claimed that tax refunds have been delayed. "This creates the perception that the government is borrowing the people's money without interest," he said. He cited a recent case in which a taxpayer had applied for a RM13,000 refund, only to receive a response from IRB offering RM650, with the remaining amount to be paid over four years. "This shows why the power to determine tax interpretation, appeals and approvals for reliefs must be placed under an independent authority, one that is not subject to the influence of those currently in power," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store