Malaysia, Indonesia in pact to reduce poverty, increase food security in Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia and Indonesia have reached a resolution to reduce poverty in Southeast Asia and increase food security in the region, said Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Tan Sri Idris Jusoh.

Idris said the Felda model will be used as an example by Asean countries to overcome the issue of poverty in the region.

He also said that a committee would be established to organise the actions to be taken to reduce poverty and food security at the Asean level.

"We see this as an opportunity for better collaboration between Felda and our friends in Indonesia in food security as well because this has become a big issue these days.

"We will put pressure on the plan in Asean,” he said after receiving a courtesy call from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) at Menara Felda today.

Also present were KADIN coordinating vice chair, human capital, research and innovation Carmelita Hartoto and KADIN bilateral Malaysia committee Eko Putro Sandjojo.

Eko Putro said the Felda model will be an example because the agency had succeeded in reducing the poverty rate in rural areas in Malaysia.

"If that can be applied in Asean, then the poverty rate can be reduced and problems related to poverty can be solved. The Felda model has been proven and recognised by the world,” he said.

Indonesia has assumed the chairmanship of Asean for 2023.

Meanwhile, regarding the disposal of Felda settlers’ loans, Idris insisted there is no plan to do so.

"In the past, we have written off 80 per cent of Felda settlers’ loans amounting to RM8.3 billion. We cannot blame one party. We are always open to discussion,” he added.

Recently, Gerakan Ekonomi Malaysia (GEM) urged Felda to be responsible for the settlers’ debt of RM10.38 billion accumulated since 2021 because the organisation alleged that it was caused by the agency’s own weaknesses.

GEM president Armin Baniaz Pahamin claimed that Felda failed to provide a transparent debt statement where the stated values ​​were doubtful and disputed by the settlers themselves - BERNAMA