Anwar Pledges to Resolve Felda Housing Woes

SEGAMAT, July 5 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to resolve the long-standing issue of providing housing sites for the second generation of Felda settlers. He emphasized that the successful implementation of the policy requires the full cooperation of state governments, as land administration and the development of basic infrastructure fall strictly under state jurisdiction.

Addressing a meet-the-people programme at Dataran Putra Felda Palong Timur in the Buloh Kasap state constituency today, Anwar expressed his determination to permanently settle the housing challenges that have plagued families in these settlements for decades.

“Our policy decision is to find a solution to ensure there is protection and a guarantee of housing sites for the second generation of Felda settlers. That is our policy,” Anwar stated.

He further underscored his personal commitment to achieving a definitive resolution during his tenure, emphasizing the collaborative effort required within his administration.

“I have made it clear that I want the issues affecting the second generation, which have remained unresolved for decades, to be settled while I am Prime Minister, together with the minister responsible for Felda affairs,” he said.

The event was also attended by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, and Deputy National Unity Minister and Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran.

To expedite the housing plan, the Prime Minister, who also serves as Finance Minister, revealed that he is scheduled to meet with Felda’s top management tomorrow. Following that initial briefing, he plans to convene a broader meeting with the Premier of Sarawak, Menteri Besar, and Chief Ministers within a month to hash out state-federal cooperation.

“I hope all the Menteri Besar will attend. As for Johor, I don’t know whether it will be the current Menteri Besar or a new one — that is for the people to decide, not me,” Anwar remarked regarding the upcoming discussions.

He extended the invitation across all political divides, stressing the absolute importance of total participation for the sake of the settlers.

“But when I call the meeting, please come. All the Menteri Besar should attend. The Sarawak Premier should come, the Kelantan Menteri Besar should come, and even the outspoken Kedah Menteri Besar should come,” he said.

Beyond the Felda settlements, Anwar noted that the federal government is actively addressing the wider issue of affordable housing, particularly in urban zones like Johor Bahru. As many young individuals from rural and Felda backgrounds migrate to the city for employment opportunities, escalating house prices have become a major economic concern.

To alleviate these pressures, the government has approved the development of Rumah MADANI units priced at RM300,000 and below. Additionally, approval has been granted for the construction of 1,700 housing units on federal government land, including a project in Larkin, to cater directly to the housing demands of working-class families and young professionals.

Turning to the upcoming Settlers’ Day celebration on July 7, the Prime Minister announced that this year’s national event would be hosted in Temerloh, Pahang, breaking away from the traditional venue of Kuala Lumpur. The shift is intended to bring the celebration directly into the heart of the settler community. He added that Johor is currently being considered as the prospective venue for next year’s celebrations, subject to ongoing bilateral discussions.

-NMT