Felda settlers seek clarification over debt issue

Compiled by C. ARUNO, ARFA YUNUS and R. ARAVINTHAN

FELDA settlers are expressing concerns about their ongoing debts to the agency, according to a report in Utusan Malaysia. Despite an announcement by former Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in 2021 that the government would settle part of the settlers’ RM8.3 billion debts, some settlers claim to be unsure if the promised debt settlement is happening. They also note that there is no detailed statement of their debts or the deducted amount after monthly adjustments. “Settlers are now confused,” said Felda Triang 1 chief settler Mat Jidi Yaakob, 62, adding that “steps to clear settlers’ debts had not been made by the previous government and this continued after [Anwar Ibrahim] became the Prime Minister.” To address the confusion, settler Mat Jidi proposed that Felda issue detailed and conclusive statements to all the settlers individually.

Meanwhile, Felda Kenanga Jengka 7 chief settler Ahmad Zubir Abdul Rahim, 65, claims that the settlers’ debts have remained the same despite a previous promise that 80% of their debts would be cleared. He revealed that the settlers did not receive a copy of the agreement letter, as Felda required them to bring it to headquarters for verification and stamping.

Kosmo! has reported that actress Nurul Shakilla Mohd Khoriri has denied rumors of her having an affair with a married businessman. The 34-year-old single mother clarified that a viral photo showing her with the man was taken last year, and she would prefer to focus on the important aspects of her life, such as her child. She stated, “If I feel like it, I will explain everything next week to clear my name. I haven’t done so until now because I did not want to embarrass anyone by telling the truth.”