Felda needs RM711m to complete new generation housing project

KUALA LUMPUR (March 28): The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) will require an injection of RM711 million to fully complete the Felda New Generation Housing project, according to Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.

Mohd Radzi told the Dewan Rakyat today that a remainder of 30 sites, which are supposed to consist of 6,816 units of houses, were problematic and the houses have yet to be constructed due to financial issues.

"30 sites with 6,816 units are unsettled due to the impact of financial problems in 2016. If the remaining 6,816 units are to be completed, Felda needs an injection of RM711 million," he said.

Mohd Radzi noted that the Felda New Generation Housing project was first announced during the Budget 2013 with an aim to construct 20,000 units within a five-year period. An allocation of RM1.5 billion was allocated for the project during the tabling of the then budget.

However, Mohd Radzi pointed out that Felda had only received RM200 million as of 2017.

"Therefore, only 38 sites with 8,314 units of houses were able to proceed. Eight sites consisting of 1,498 units have been completed and will be occupied by 792 participants. The remaining 706 units will be handed over after the selection process is completed. 19 sites with 5,082 housing units are still under construction on a slow work progress.

"Lastly, 11 sites with 1,734 units of houses were abandoned and have been discontinued," he explained.

Mohd Radzi was responding to a request by Paya Besar MP Mohd Shahar Abdullah during the ministers' question time session this morning to explain the latest status of the second generation of Felda settlers' housing issues.

— theedgemarkets.com

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