25/01/2008 (The Star Online), Jempol - The living allowance for Felda settlers taking part in the replanting scheme will be increased, beginning next month.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the formula for the scheme would be reviewed and increased from the current RM800 per month for the first year of replanting. 

It will benefit about 60,000 settlers participating in the scheme.

“This is because of the CPO (crude palm oil) price increase. It is only right to return some of the benefits to them,” he told reporters yesterday after handing over land titles to 558 Felda Palong 7 settlers.

He said he would announce the review after a meeting with Felda on Feb 6. The last review was done in July last year.

In his speech, Najib said Felda was the most successful land development authority in the world, having improved the lives of about a million Malaysians since it started more than 50 years ago.

He added that while the first generation of settlers was involved in planting, the second generation had pursued other career paths such as becoming professionals, government officers and elected representatives.

Felda, he said, had also experienced a paradigm shift where it was no longer restricted to developing land but was exploring other opportunities globally.

“Previously, children of Felda settlers opened shops to repair bicycles and motorcycles. Now, they have gone on to work in companies like MAS as aircraft maintenance engineers who earn between RM10,000 and RM15,000 a month,” he added.

He also said settlers whose houses were in need of repair were eligible to receive RM10,000 to renovate their homes, adding that there were also interest-free loans of RM40,000 available. 

Najib also said settlers were now paid bonuses and received duit Raya.

“This reflects the goodwill of the Government and will continue if the Barisan Nasional is given a fresh mandate,” he said.