Felda Palong 7 settlers urge MACC probe into RM80 million palm oil project

A group of new-generation settlers from Felda Palong 7 has called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate a palm oil development and replanting program valued between RM70 million and RM80 million.

Representative Mohd Syahrizal Md Yusuf submitted information to the MACC regarding concerns over the supply of oil palm seedlings, supply costs, transportation charges, and the execution of replanting works. The program involves transitioning 450 settlers from rubber to oil palm, a move that will impact their long-term income for the next 25 years.

The settlers expressed fears that the current project might repeat the failures of a rubber cultivation program from 17 years ago, which allegedly failed due to poor quality seedlings that did not meet specifications. Specific concerns raised include the delivery of seedlings that are small, non-uniform, or have not yet reached a developmental stage suitable for proper inspection.