KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 2): The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) and its subsidiary FGV Holdings Bhd have pushed back against a series of eviction warnings issued by the Terengganu government, saying the directive to vacate plantation land within three days is impractical and does not reflect the realities of large-scale estate operations.
Between Nov 30 and Dec 2, the state issued 127 notices covering Felda and FGV-managed plantation parcels across six districts — Besut, Setiu, Dungun, Hulu Terengganu, Marang and Kemaman — alleging unauthorised land occupation and instructing the agencies to remove structures and clear crops immediately.
Felda stressed that it holds firm legal standing under the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960, which empowers the authority to develop and manage group settlement regions. These rights originate from the Land Development Act 1956, forming the basis of federal-led agricultural and community planning.
Comprehensive Land Audit Underway
In response, Felda and FGV have launched a full documentation audit to establish a clear trail of ownership, premium payments, development terms and historical boundaries. The review involves cross-checking federal and state records to ensure every detail is verified before further action.
“This process must be thorough to avoid discrepancies. Any decision will be made strictly based on validated documents and factual information,” the statement said.
Settlers’ Activities Unaffected for Now
Both agencies assured that the dispute does not disrupt the agricultural activities of Felda settlers in Terengganu, who may continue their daily operations as usual. However, the notices could affect Felda and FGV’s commercial plantation segments — potentially influencing long-term planning, productivity and revenue streams that contribute to settler welfare.
Seeking a Lawful and Cooperative Resolution
Felda and FGV said they remain confident that the matter can be settled through proper legal channels and coordinated engagement with relevant state and federal authorities.
Their priority, they noted, is safeguarding the interests of workers, settler families and the wider plantation sector — a core pillar of Malaysia’s agricultural economy.
