24/09/2008 (NST Online), Kuching - A total of 1,946 families in Simunjan and Gedong, Samarahan division, have some Hari Raya cheer coming their way.

They will receive dividends from their shares in two companies which hold equity in three oil palm plantations operating in the division.

Representatives of the families yesterday received RM600,000 in interim dividends from state Planning and Resource Management Second Minister Datuk Seri Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

He said this was the third year the families would receive the dividends.

Awang Tengah expected higher returns when the three oil palm plantations were in full production.

He said the Land Custody and Development Authority and Felcra got the families involved in the venture to develop their idle land.

"The government hopes more land owners will develop their idle land, such as by planting rice and oil palm."