LAHAD DATU: The landscape at the Felda Sahabat scheme is fast changing after last year's introduction of a special loan for settlers to beautify or rebuild their homes.

Almost all the 1,648 settlers at the scheme took up the offer, which ranged from RM10,000 to RM40,000. Now the once common sight of single-storey two-room wooden houses is fast fading away.

Felda Sabah assistant regional manager Ahmad Johari said most settlers began extending or rebuilding their homes after the loan was introduced, in addition to using their own savings.

"You can see more concrete bungalows or bigger wooden homes replacing the old 'quarters'. The loan was to help them build their dream houses.

"I think by next year, you won't be able to see the original houses which greeted the settlers when they first moved here in 1989."
Every settler in the scheme is given a plot of land for his house apart from the five hectares to plant oil palm.

For Abdul Rasul Barah, 59, building a concrete structure as an extension of the old house means there would be more room for his children and grandchildren.

"I took the RM10,000 loan and hired a contractor to build the extension last month. It's taking shape, with two of my grandchildren also helping to build the structure," said Rasul, who has five children and 20 grandchildren living with him.

"I had extended the old house previously, but this loan offer came at the right time for my growing family," said Rasul, who hails from Kunak.

Another settler, Amit Inyok, 51, has made good use of the loan. A new coat of paint, new landscaping for his lawn, some repairs and new gadgets have made his home more comfortable.

"I took the loan to improve my home," said Amit, a pioneer settler who hails from Sandakan. "Over the years, as our livelihood improves, we make things better."