Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent announcement on several initiatives and incentives for the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers, especially involving health aspects, will provide much-needed relief to those suffering from kidney problems.
Head of settlers of Felda Lasah in Sungai Siput, Khairudin Mohamed, 55, said most of the settlers, both new and old generations, have kidney disease that requires dialysis treatment at the Sungai Siput Hospital, which is located about 30 kilometres from the settlement.
He said some settlers have to go back and forth to the hospital every week for dialysis treatment and of course, it involves transportation costs.
“The construction of hemodialysis centres in the Felda regions is great news that we wanted for a long time.
“Also, the Rahmah Health Contribution (SKR) is crucial for us as the average settlers in Felda Lasah need such assistance from the government to lighten the burden.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement provides a relief to the settlers,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Khairudin, who is the second generation, said there were 387 settlers in the settlement, which had been developed since 1965.
Meanwhile, head of settlers of the Felda Sungai Tengi Selatan in Trolak, Mohd Som Ismail, 67, also welcomed the government's announcement to build hemodialysis centres in each region because the settlers have long needed a hemodialysis centre close to their settlements.
“I am also grateful when the government announced SKR because it can indirectly help the seniors like me to cover the rising costs of health care these days,” he said.
On July 7, Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the national-level Felda Settlers Day 2023 in Serdang, Selangor, announced the construction of 12 hemodialysis centres, with an allocation of RM21 million, in all Felda regions and one at the Yayasan Felda (Felda Foundation) premises which will benefit 2,000 patients.
Anwar also announced a special SKR incentive of RM300 that will benefit 70,715 settlers aged 65 and above, involving an allocation of RM21.21 million
Source: BERNAMA News Agency