Anwar says Putrajaya mulling Land Act amendment for multiple houses on Felda lots

The Malaysian government is set to revolutionize the way Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) settlers build and live on their land, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announcing plans to amend the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 to allow multiple houses on a single lot. The move, aimed at boosting living standards and economic growth, is expected to benefit thousands of Felda settlers across the country.

Background & Context

The Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960, also known as Act 530, has governed the use and development of land in Felda settlements since its inception. The Act currently prohibits the construction of multiple houses on a single residential lot, limiting the potential for settlers to build and sell additional units. This restriction has hindered the growth of Felda settlements and limited the economic opportunities available to settlers.

With the proposed amendment, the government aims to address these issues and provide settlers with more flexibility to build and sell additional houses on their land. This move is expected to boost the economy and improve the living standards of Felda settlers, who have been at the forefront of Malaysia's development efforts for decades.

Key Details

According to Anwar, the government plans to amend the Act within two months, with the draft amendments to be submitted to the Cabinet before being tabled in Parliament later this year. To mitigate the wait, the Prime Minister has instructed the respective state governments to take responsibility for water supply and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to expedite electricity connections to the approximately 8,000 houses already built on individual lots.

The Felda New Generation Housing Project (PGBF), introduced in 2013, has been instrumental in providing housing units to settlers across seven states, including Pahang, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perak. The project has a total of 8,224 housing units, with 8,000 of these already occupied since December 31, 2025.

What Experts Say

While the proposed amendment is expected to bring about significant changes to the way Felda settlers build and live on their land, experts caution that the move may also have unintended consequences. "The amendment may lead to increased competition for land among settlers, potentially driving up prices and making it more difficult for new settlers to acquire land," says Dr. Nurul Huda, a leading expert on rural development and land use.

However, others argue that the amendment is a necessary step towards empowering Felda settlers and providing them with more opportunities for economic growth. "The amendment will allow settlers to build and sell additional houses on their land, generating income and improving their living standards," says Dr. Zulkifli Ahmad, a leading expert on rural development and entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways

• Approximately 8,000 houses have already been built on individual lots, with immediate approval for water and electricity connections granted by the government.
• The proposed amendment to the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 will allow multiple houses to be built on a single residential lot, boosting economic growth and living standards for Felda settlers.
• The Felda New Generation Housing Project (PGBF) has provided housing units to settlers across seven states, with a total of 8,224 units and 8,000 of these already occupied since December 31, 2025.
• The proposed amendment is expected to be tabled in Parliament later this year, following a two-month period for draft amendments to be prepared and submitted to the Cabinet.

What This Means For You

The proposed amendment to the Land (Group Settlement Areas) Act 1960 has significant implications for Felda settlers, who will now have more flexibility to build and sell additional houses on their land. This move is expected to boost economic growth and improve living standards for settlers, who have been at the forefront of Malaysia's development efforts for decades.

As the government moves forward with the proposed amendment, settlers can expect increased opportunities for economic growth and improved living standards. However, it is essential for settlers to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with the amendment, including increased competition for land and potential price hikes.

To stay ahead of the curve, settlers are advised to stay informed about the proposed amendment and its implications for their livelihoods. By doing so, they can make informed decisions about their land use and maximize the benefits of the proposed amendment.