Kuala lumpur: A forensic audit should be conducted to scrutinize potential abuses of power, breaches of trust, or governance failures within the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that a management audit alone is insufficient due to the long-standing issues affecting the agency, which have led to substantial financial losses.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the gravity of FELDA's situation, citing the RM9 billion in losses as intolerable. He made these remarks during the Ministers and Chief Executive Officers Summit held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX) 2026.

Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, expressed his support for establishing a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate FELDA. He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible if evidence is found, while cautioning against using the investigation to unjustly target or humiliate individuals.

Furthermore, Ahmad Zahid assured that the government remains committed to safeguarding the interests and well-being of the 225,000 FELDA settlers and the larger community, which spans five generations and comprises approximately 1.8 million people.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, last Friday, stated his intention to await the complete report from the Special Task Force investigating FELDA's management issues before making any official declarations. The task force has already commenced its work and is expected to present its findings soon, following the public release format of the RCI report on Lembaga Tabung Haji.