Settlers in Felda Chiku 1 here were indeed shocked but grateful when the government agreed in principle to dispose of part of their loans amounting to RM8.3 billion through a conditional loan adjustment initiative, especially for the older generation.

Head of Felda Chiki 1 Block Wan Ahmad Wan Mahmud, 70, said this would really be a big help as they were not earning much but still have to repay the loans.

“The pandemic hit us hard…a lot of work cannot be done, but still the debts need to be repaid.

“Alhamdulillah…we are so grateful for the government’s announcement.

“With the loan disposal, we can use the balance of our income to buy groceries or other essential items,” he told Bernama here.

For Ismail Yusoff, 74, the announcement was like a dream come true as he had been waiting for it for more than 40 years.

“We have been tied to too many loans and we cannot afford other expenses.

“Although we have quite a high income, it will go down to just between RM500 and RM700 a month after repaying the loans,” he said.

Nik Aziz Nik Lah, 64, on the other hand, said he was more motivated to work at the plantation after the announcement.

“Now I’m more motivated. Before this, I just could not focus and kept thinking about the debts that I need to repay with the little money I have left in my account,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency