Transformation Of Felda To Forge Ahead As Nation's Pride - Ahmad Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Felda is undergoing a transformation process by reorganising its strengths to face new challenges, to remain relevant, sustainable and continue to be the pride of the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In a post on X, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said Felda is no longer just relying on traditional sectors but is now exploring the fields of education, entrepreneurship, food technology, arts and culture to ensure its survival and success.

"Since its establishment 69 years ago, Felda has not only been the backbone of rural development, but has also opened up opportunities for more than 112,638 settlers and almost three million Felda generations nationwide to enjoy a better life.

"Felda today is no longer just about rubber, oil palm and land scheme. It is undergoing a process of reorganising its old strengths to face new challenges, to remain relevant, sustainable and continue to be the pride of the country.

"I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all Felda settlers for their sacrifices, efforts and unwavering spirit since the establishment of Felda. God willing, with the support of all parties, Felda will continue to be a catalyst for rural prosperity and a strategic asset for the country," he said in conjunction with Felda Settlers' Day today (July 7).

Ahmad Zahid said that since the beginning, Felda has remained with the mandate of providing land to the landless, creating dignified jobs and eradicating poverty, which has been the basis of its success to this day.

For 2025, he said several key agendas would be the backbone of joint efforts for the benefit of the people and the country, including efforts to restore Felda's values ​​and dignity to a higher level.

He said this included strengthening the economic well-being of settlers through increased income, new opportunities and community empowerment as national goals to uphold the services of settlers and ensure that they continue to be the backbone of rural and national development.

In addition, Ahmad Zahid said Felda's role also needed to be strengthened as a major power in the world's food and commodity industry, given that Malaysia is now emerging as a major player in the global palm oil industry through FGV, the world's third-largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer.

The development of Felda's new generation, he said, must be given priority through quality education, skills training and entrepreneurial support.

Among the proud achievements this year was the success of the MaresmaF Wind Orchestra (MAWO) from MRSM Ulul Albab Felda Trolak that won the Golden Diploma Award at the 26th Prague International Wind Orchestra Festival, proving that the Felda generation is capable of standing proudly on the world stage.

“This year, the annual Settlers' Day carnival, which is eagerly awaited by all settlers, will be combined with the Village Entrepreneurs' Carnival (KUD) and the One District One Industry (SDSI) Showcase under the name of the 3-Dimensional Mega Carnival (MK3D).

“The Mega Carnival with the theme "My Village is Global" will be held from July 30 to August 3 and is also one of our important agendas in promoting Felda products and introducing the hard work of the Felda community to the world. This carnival will be a platform for community unification - in terms of innovation, tourism, business and cultural heritage,” he said.

-- BERNAMA