PARLIAMENT The proposal to set up the Felda University cannot proceed due to the high costs factor, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Razali Ibrahim.

However, he said the Felda management was always giving emphasis to the development aspect of Felda’s young generation through various educational initiatives, including financial aid and skills training.

“There has been talks on the need to establish Felda University but at present the cost of supervising the costs of a wholly-owned university is quite high,” he told the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was replying to Abdul Manan Ismail (BN-Paya Besar) on the proposal to build the university in efforts to produce a group of agriculture and agro-based scientists and professionals who were recognised globally.

Razali said throughout 2013, Felda training scheme had benefited 2,411 students who pursued studies at the skill certificate, diploma and degree levels.

The Felda higher education loan scheme also approved 183 applications with loans of RM3.4 million during the same period while the pioneer children incentive scheme benefitted 3,040 students with sponsorship of RM2.4 million.

The total included 1,169 at the diploma level, 1,833 degree level within the country and another 38 abroad.

Replying to a supplementary question from Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Baru) on the courses taken by Felda children that was not related to agriculture, he said Felda was of the opinion that Felda’s young generation could pursue new fields.

He said Felda currently has hotels as assets that led to job opportunities in the hospitality and culinary fields.

- Bernama