FELCRA ACHIEVES RECORD PROFIT DISTRIBUTION WITH FOCUS ON PLANTATION INNOVATION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- FELCRA Berhad’s success in recording an increase of nearly RM82 million in its Interim 2 Distributable Profit this year, up by 168 per cent compared to the same period last year, demonstrates its commitment to advancing innovation in plantation operations.

Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang said continuous innovation had enabled FELCRA to develop lands that were previously swamps and wildlife habitats with various agricommodity crops which were immensely profitable.

She said that FELCRA Seberang Perak, for instance, had become a model for rural development, evolving beyond fertile padi fields to feature seed processing factories and comfortable settlements for farmers.

“This process shows us that with continuous effort and commitment, success is no longer a dream but a reality that can be achieved.

“This is a clear example that change and progress can happen when we unite and collaborate towards a common goal,” she said in her speech at the FELCRA Visionary Award 2024 ceremony at the World Trade Centre (WTC) here tonight.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Interim 2 Distributable Profit for 2024, amounting to RM129.81 million, would be paid in phases, benefiting nearly 68,000 participants nationwide.

In line with this, to ensure FELCRA can further expand its plantation operations, Rubiah urged the company to utilise modern technologies such as drones, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), which have proven to boost crop yields and make agricultural processes more efficient and effective.

She also emphasised the importance of skill development and training for farmers, noting that according to a report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, skill enhancement in the agricultural sector can increase agricultural yields by up to 20 per cent.

“Additionally, we must ensure that women receive equal attention in the agricultural sector as empowering them not only helps improve agricultural yields but also brings positive social change,” she added.

Meanwhile, FELCRA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, in a statement announced that the company planned to expand its role by strategically integrating commercial business and social mandates.

This includes initiatives like developing agropreneurs among participants and rural communities, as well as promoting rural and eco-tourism.

-- BERNAMA