Responding to a statement by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, Felda said the majority of living assistance and upfront payment for crop yield (BSHPH) claims had been paid on Dec 31 last year, with the balance paid on Jan 14.

The BSHPH is a part of the RM77 million aid approved by the government in December.

The New Straits Times had yesterday quoted Lim as saying that the delay in disbursement of aid would be addressed when Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali visits Sungai Koyan next week.

Felda said Lim’s statement concerned the harvest payments for crops which settlers receive in salaries on the basis of sale of oil palm, which were not part of BSHPH.

It said these salaries were previously split and paid in two tranches, one in the middle and the other at the end of the month. However, they are now paid at the end of the month only.

“This payment is neither a part of the BSHPH nor the RM77 million special allocation given by the federal government which has been disbursed.

“The payment for crops will be made using Felda’s funds.”

Felda added that it was committed to looking after the welfare of the settlers to ensure the development and sustainability of the palm oil industry.

“Felda will give due consideration to the matters raised by the settlers,” it added.