KUALA LUMPUR: A smart partnership between the Rural and Regional Development Ministry and the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) will be formed to assist settlers and improve their livelihoods, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the partnership will be focused on six areas, including infrastructure, education and flood management.
"Moving forward, Felda must get out of its cocoon and no longer can work in silo.
"Through the smart partnership with the ministry, we hope to bring Felda back on track, especially issues revolving around its settlers.
"Not only the 112,000 first-generation settlers, with some, having passed away, but the current (fifth generation) and the future ones.
"We will act as a facilitator and make some adjustments to solve the issues faced by Felda," he told reporters after chairing a coordinating meeting between the ministry and Felda at Menara Felda today.
On education, Zahid through the smart partnership, eligible children or grandchildren of Felda settlers will be assisted to further their studies abroad.
He said they will be given financial assistance through Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), an agency under the ministry.
Zahid added other matters that were agreed upon during the meeting included Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses for the settlers' grandchildren, as well as the development of basic facilities in the 317 Felda settlements nationwide, and 5G network coverage.
"There are many things that will be discussed and some policy decisions will be brought to the cabinet.
"This includes some adjustments, including several acts, that need to be scrutinised further in order to bring changes to the settlers, particularly their socio-economy," he said.