The opening of three Felda settlements in Perlis in 1980s had changed and transformed the socio-economic status of over 1,500 poor households in the state, according to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
He said the Felda settlements, which were the initiatives of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government to develop rural areas, had also been recognised by the World Bank as it had succeeded in improving the lives of the people and contributed so much for nation development.
“Many poor people in Perlis left their hometowns to become Felda settlers and now they are enjoying a better and more comfortable living condition,” he told reporters after handing over land titles to 249 Mata Ayer Felda settlers here today.
The Chief Minister, however, expressed concern over the fact that Felda settlements in the state had been identified as black areas due to the presence of drug and ketum addicts.
“It’s quite difficult to combat this unhealthy activity, especially with the various communication apps available now, but parents and the community should not make it as an excuse, but instead should work hand in hand with the local authority to tackle the problem,” he said.