Of late, second and third generation Felda settlers have been vocal about their intentions to actively participate in all aspects of Felda’s development activities.

National Smallholders Association (NASH) president Datuk Aliasak Ambia says some 30% to 35% of Felda settlers, particularly those with land titles, believe they are now able to market their crops with minimal supervision from Felda group.

This group of settlers with high yield estates have been seeking a licence to sell their palm and rubber crops from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Malaysian Rubber Board.

“But many times, their requests were turned down by these authorities with no proper explanation given,” he laments when asked to comment on the Felda settlers plight. Of the total 170,000 NASH members, some 68,000 or 40%, are Felda settlers.

Aliasak adds that many are unhappy with Felda’s captive-market style operation because it monopolises the entire estate function including the marketing channel.

The settlers want Felda to liberalise the marketing channel for the settlers’ crops, thereby creating a win-win situation between the group and settlers.

“The captive-market approach adopted by Felda is no longer applicable. It is a willing-seller, willing-buyer market. Should Felda mills offer competitive prices, settlers will definitely sell to them.” THE END

Source: The Star