New Felda chairman tasked with restoring institution and strengthening settlers’ future
KUALA LUMPUR: Newly appointed Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Badri Mohd Zahir has been given the responsibility of continuing efforts to restore and strengthen the agency as a key institution supporting settlers and their families.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Felda must continue to be developed as an organisation that protects the dignity and well-being of generations of settlers while remaining economically competitive and sustainable.
Anwar said this during a courtesy visit by Ahmad Badri at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya recently.
The Prime Minister, who is also Finance Minister, emphasised that the welfare of Felda settlers across generations must remain a priority alongside efforts to improve the agency’s financial strength, operational performance and long-term sustainability.
He said particular attention should also be given to challenges faced by younger generations of settlers to ensure they continue benefiting from Felda’s role in national development.
“I am confident that Ahmad Badri, with the responsibility entrusted to him, will be able to continue the agenda of restoring and strengthening Felda,” Anwar said in a statement shared on Facebook.
He added that the Madani Government would continue providing full support to ensure Felda remains relevant, progressive and capable of serving the needs of future generations.
Ahmad Badri officially assumed the position of Felda chairman on July 15, succeeding Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, whose tenure ended on June 30.
The appointment comes as Felda continues efforts to enhance its role beyond its traditional agricultural foundation by focusing on economic resilience, improved governance and better opportunities for settlers and their families.
Felda, established in 1956, has played a significant role in Malaysia’s rural development by providing land development opportunities, particularly through plantation-based economic activities.
The agency remains one of the country’s most important institutions in supporting rural communities, with millions of Malaysians linked directly or indirectly to the Felda settlement ecosystem.
With Ahmad Badri taking over the leadership role, expectations are high for continued reforms and strategies aimed at strengthening Felda’s financial position while ensuring its original mission of improving settlers’ livelihoods remains central.
