KUALA LUMPUR: The government will soon announce a mechanism to solve issues faced by Felda settlers, particularly those involved in the cultivation of oil palm.
Umno president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who said the problems affecting Felda are close to his heart, said that 54 Parliamentary seats in the country rely on income from the cultivation of oil palm.
"We conducted a two-month research, and the laboratory made recommendations to me. I have accepted the recommendations. Be patient for good news that I will make to resolve the issues. I don't forget Felda settlers, who are our vote bank," he said.
Najib said there will also be good news on solving late payment issues in relation to oil palm fruit yield, debts and other pressing matters.
"The issues involve late payment for fruit yield, and secondly, there being too many and confusing receipts, and thirdly, the high amount of debt, amounting to RM100,000 on average, for re-planting," he said in his closing speech at the Umno general assembly.
He said the issue must be resolved, as the government is also solving issues on the cost of living for Malaysians in general.