Kuala lumpur: Strengthening the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) must be a priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure the long-term economic sustainability of settlers, a lawmaker told Parliament today. Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) emphasized that 112,635 settlers across 317 Felda land schemes nationwide, including 36 in his constituency, require sustained and strategic government support to navigate new challenges.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shamsulkahar proposed adopting advanced technologies such as drones and robotic machinery in oil palm plantations to boost yields and reduce reliance on foreign labour. He highlighted the need for efforts to accelerate infrastructure upgrades, noting that many existing facilities are over 40 years old and prone to breakdowns.

Meanwhile, Jamaludin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) urged Malaysia to prioritise the creation and development of future defence technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity to keep pace with global advancements. He stated that the nation should develop a self-reliant defence industry and position itself as a regional defence hub in Southeast Asia.