Felda given a month to chart new direction, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Felda has been given a month to come out with a plan to chart its new direction, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said this was necessary as Felda cannot go on operating on its current path.

“I have given the management one month to come out with a satisfactory approach and a new direction.

“We must ensure that Felda, its cooperatives, and FGV move in a single direction towards a common goal,” he said when addressing Felda settlers at a breaking of fast event here on Wednesday (March 26).

Anwar said that the government would continue to support Felda and currently allocates about RM1bil annually for its operations to ensure the welfare of settlers.

“We must in the shortest time, shore up confidence among the hundreds of thousands of Felda settlers that the time has come for us to make the much needed leap forward,” he added.

Anwar assured settlers that the government would mobilise its available resources and expertise to strengthen Felda.

He said that Felda needs to look at all aspects of its operations including both manufacturing and export.

Anwar gave his assurance that the government would continue to promote palm oil as an export commodity.

“The price of palm oil is linked to demand and we will work towards increasing demand,” he added.

He said he had personally encouraged India and China to increase palm oil imports from Malaysia.

He acknowledged that the nation must also prepare for the uncertainties affecting the sector in light of the current global situation.