The incentives announced for Felda settlers were mere "election goodies" that would not help to rehabilitate the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), said Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) president Muhyiddin Yassin.

Citing a similar incentive totalling RM1.7 billion, dubbed durian runtuh or windfall distributed a year before the 2013 general election, Muhyiddin in a Facebook post said the allocations had failed to fix Felda's woes, as they were "gifts" to boost voter sentiment.

While agreeing that these ad hoc benefits may lighten the settlers' burden temporarily, the settlers will continue to be haunted by various problems afflicting Felda, the former deputy premier said.

The replanting debts, loans taken to acquire a stake in Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd, and the dwindling income are among other problems that affect the settlers, he said. 

On July 23, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak attended the Felda Settlers' Day and announced a slate of goodies.  

Since Felda had been impaired by its investment decisions, which led to losses amounting to RM1.2 billion, Muhyiddin said only "a rehabilitative effort" in Felda will be able to resolve its problems in full.

"A full resolution could only be achieved when Feld turns around and makes a profit, which in turn will provide lucrative returns to the settlers," added the Pagoh parliamentarian.

"Unfortunately, on such an important day, Najib did not announce any plans to rehabilitate Felda, an initiative that could benefit the settlers in the long run," he said.

Muhyiddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan deputy president, said the opposition coalition pledges to rehabilitate Felda after it takes over Putrajaya.

"We offer to fully rehabilitate Felda to resolve the settlers' problems and turn Felda once again into a profitable entity that will make the people proud," he stressed.

He also pointed out the RM1.588 billion announced by Najib was not allocated from Felda's profits.

"I would like to question where was the source for such a huge amount of money, he asked, claiming the amount was equivalent to the 3.5 percent of the RM46 billion allocated for development expenditure in the 2017 Budget.

"As such, it is Najib's responsibility to tell the rakyat where the money came from and what are the initiatives that will help rehabilitate Felda and benefit the settlers, he said.