Felcra leads efforts to boost food security

KUALA LUMPUR: Felcra Berhad (Felcra) will spearhead the government's efforts to reduce the nation's reliance on imported food products, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Najib said Malaysia spends an exorbitant amount on food imports, with more than RM45 billion spent in 2015.
"This is a big amount. The government wants Felcra to become one of the main contributors in securing the nation's food security, especially in the field of halal meat production and other crop products," he said.
"I believe with its strength, Felcra can contribute greatly in realising our wish to reduce the import of food and can produce food products in a more systematic and efficient manner," Najib said in his speech at the 50th Felcra Berhad celebration at Putra World Trade Centre here today.
Also present at the event were Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Felcra chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Najib in his speech also announced that Felcra would contribute a total of RM20 million in the span of ten years to reduce the burden of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation's (PTPTN) repayment for children of Felcra settlers.
With the initiative, students who took the loan to support their study fees are entitled to a discount of 20% or RM4,000 from their total loan.
"This will involve 500 students every year, or in total 5,000 students by the year 2026," Najib said, adding that this was part of the company's corporate social responsibility.
Najib also stated that Felcra will be working together with Sime Darby Sdn Bhd beginning 2017 to venture into fields related to plantation and farming.
Both parties also inked a Memorandum of Understanding which was witnessed by Najib.
Najib said since its inception in 1966, Felcra has gone through many ups and downs, making it resilient to challenges and has emerged as a successful entity today.
"Many positive developments can be seen (since then). I am confident that Felcra will continue to move forward stronger and contribute to the concept of rural development," he said.