9/10/05 PEKAN, (Bernama) -- Felda settlers will receive RM350 each in theform of an incentive allowance before the end of this month, Deputy PrimeMinister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Sunday.

He said the money could help them meet expenses for the Hari RayaAidilfitri early next month and schooling of their children early nextyear.

"Some 112,775 settlers will receive the incentive allowance for whichFelda has allocated RM39,471,250," he told reporters here. Last year,Felda paid RM300 to each settler and in 2003, RM200.

Najib said the allowance was in appreciation of the settlers'participation in the production of rubber and palm oil commodities.

Felda would make the payments at functions organised in conjunction withthe current Ramadan fasting month or directly to the settlers.

Najib said Pahang had the most number of settlers who would benefit fromthe allowance payment, adding that there were 37,646 settlers in 97 Feldaschemes in the state.

-- BERNAMA