Kuala lumpur: The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and FGV Holdings Berhad (FGV) are conducting a comprehensive review of all related documents to resolve the issue involving warning notices issued on plantation lots owned by both entities in Terengganu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Felda and FGV announced in a joint statement that the review encompasses historical records, payment documentation, land premium transactions, ownership status, and plantation development conditions.
The review follows warning notices for unlawful occupation or trespassing issued by the Terengganu government on plantation lots in the districts of Besut, Setiu, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Marang, and Kemaman on November 30, December 1, and today. The statement highlighted that the review process involves a thorough land audit and cross-verification with state authority data to ensure accuracy and completeness of all information. Felda and FGV emphasized that any actions will be based on officially verified documentation supported by facts.
Both entities pointed out that while the state government holds jurisdiction over land administration, the three-day window provided in the warning notices for Felda and FGV to vacate or demolish structures and destroy crops is extremely short and challenging from a plantation management and commercial operations standpoint. The statement further noted that Felda has rights and legal standing under the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960, which mandates Felda to develop Group Settlement Areas (GSA), in line with the authority granted under the Land Development Act 1956.
Felda and FGV's commercial plantation development in Terengganu has been instrumental in generating income to support community development, infrastructure provision, and socio-economic upliftment programs for settlers. The sustainable plantation ecosystem, from fresh fruit bunch production to processing and palm oil sales, is carried out by Felda's subsidiary, FGV, which also plays a role in stimulating the local economy through employment opportunities, support services, and related industrial activities in the state.
Acknowledging the emergence of various views and speculation, Felda and FGV emphasized their commitment to addressing the matter professionally in accordance with legal procedures to ensure transparency and fairness in interpretations and decisions. The entities are meticulously examining the legal implications and will take necessary measures to manage the impact, ensuring that settlers' interests and the livelihood of 1,283 workers dependent on these plantation operations are protected.
Felda and FGV affirmed that the welfare of workers, the interests of the settler community, and the socio-economic stability of surrounding communities will remain the top priority in any process and resolution. They clarified that the warning notices issued by the Terengganu state government do not affect the operations of settler-owned plantations nor the livelihood activities of settlers in Felda's Terengganu Region, allowing them to continue their daily routines as usual.
However, the notices have direct implications for Felda and FGV operations, particularly affecting long-term planning and the continuity of related commercial activities, including reduced yields that contribute to national income and ultimately impact the settler community. Felda and FGV expressed confidence in achieving the best possible resolution through proper legal processes involving all relevant government institutions, ensuring actions comply with the law while safeguarding workers' interests, protecting the settler community, respecting state jurisdiction, and supporting the overall stability of the national plantation industry.