FELDA AIMS TO BECOME HUB FOR HALAL PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA

TAWAU (Malaysia), April 16 (Bernama) -- The Federal Land Development
Authority (Felda) aims to become a hub for halal products in the country to
cater to the increase in consumer demand.

"Although this is not easy to achieve, it is not impossible if the settlers
are determined and committed," said its deputy general manager of Entrepreneur
Development Department, Abidin Abd Rahman.

He said this in his address at the Felda Entrepreneur Symposium and Expo
(Simex), Sahabat Region, here Saturday.

Also present was state assemblyman for Sebatik, Abdul Muis Picho, who
represented member of Parliament for Kalabakan, Abdul Ghapur Salleh.

Simex aims to promote and market the products from Felda settlers and help
entrepreneurs network with their peers.

Abidin said Felda expected sales of products by its settlers to reach RM1.5
billion (US$1=RM3.03) this year.

"Last year's sales were RM1.06 billion compared with the initial estimate of
RM1 billion," he said.

Earlier, in his address, Abdul Muis said the settlers should capitalise on
the opportunities offered by Felda to better themselves economically and not
dependent on oil palm.

"Based on statistics, about 509 of the 1,647 settlers in Sahabat Region are
involved in business, services, handicraft, poultry, acquaculture and primary
industries.

"Their total sales increased to RM21 million last year from RM20 million in
2009," he said.

At the function, Fathoni Akhiari, Jeminah Abdullah, Basran Osman and Wamin
Wakidi were named winners of Felda Entrepreneur Award, Sahabat Region.

They will represent the region for the national Felda Entrepreneur Award.