Felda will bear part of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans given to the children of its land scheme settlers.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, who announced this today, said the decision made was part of Felda’s efforts to expand its role in line with its principle of sharing wealth with the people.

“Felda has agreed to share the burden of repaying the PTPTN loans given to the children of its settlers,” he said at an Aidilfitri celebration at the Kg Tempinis, Kg Tasek Tok Lebai football field in conjunction with his short visit to Besut.

He said Felda would be allocating about RM15 million for the purpose in the first year.

“This decision by Felda will help lessen the government’s financial burden, besides demonstrating Felda’s success, especially in getting Felda Global Ventures Holdings listed on Bursa Malaysia.

“With the additional funds obtained, Felda agreed to allocate part of it for the rakyat (people).”

The prime minister also announced Felda’s decision to extend its skills training scheme to the children of non-Felda settlers.

He said 2,000 of them would be given the opportunity to undergo skills training programmes such as the Malaysia Airlines Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training scheme and courses conducted by other institutions.

“This measure can add value and provide better employment opportunities to the participants who are from poor and low-medium income families in the urban areas.”

Najib said 12,000 houses in the traditional villages would also be repaired and rehabilitated through Felda.

- Bernama

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