BUKIT KAYU HITAM – The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) is awaiting approval from relevant state governments to enable the second or third generation of settlers to build additional houses on lots of the original settlers.
Felda chairman Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the initiative is to enable this group to build new houses on existing lots close to their parents’ homes, as well as to resolve housing issues among Felda settlers.
“Felda has made a policy to allow (second and third generations) to build new houses on their parents’ lots, but they have to get approval from their state governments first.
“We have instructed all Felda Regional general managers to meet with each state government, we will hopefully get the feedback next month. So far, the state governments’ responses seem positive,” he told reporters after a friendly meeting with the Felda New Generation Housing occupants in Felda Laka Selatan, near here today.
Also present were Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Bukit Kayu Hitam state assemblyman Halimaton Shaadiah Saad.
According to Idris, so far there are more than 112,000 lots of Felda houses nationwide and if the proposal is approved, the new Felda generation will be allowed to build new houses, but with their own financing.
“The construction of the houses is subject to local council and state government procedures,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at the event, Sanusi said the state government had given assurance that it would always support and work closely with Felda.
He said there were 10 settlements with 3,185 settler families in Kedah.
At the same ceremony, Sanusi launched the Settlers Development Programme (PPP) for the Alor Star region in an effort to improve the economic status of Felda residents.
Among PPP projects that will be carried out in the region is the “Smart Fertigation Box” project for chilli crops at a cost of RM2,000, which is to be borne by Felda for each selected settler. – Bernama, January 6, 2021
