Lahad datu: The proposal to establish a new township in Felda Sahabat is set to be presented to the Cabinet for further deliberation, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. Ahmad Zahid, also serving as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, highlighted that the initiative was requested by Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek to boost development in Felda Sahabat and Lahad Datu.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has entrusted him with overseeing Felda matters nationally. He pointed out existing challenges that Felda faces, such as allocations for infrastructure, education, kindergartens, street lighting, and medical equipment like haemodialysis machines. Ahmad Zahid shared these insights during his address at the closing of the Permuafakatan Komuniti Felda Wilayah Sabah programme at Dataran Ekspo.

Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, also the Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general, and Ahmad Shabery were present at the event. Ahmad Zahid also mentioned that the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has approved collaboration between Felda kindergartens and Tabika KEMAS pre-schools to offer pre-tahfiz courses across the Felda network.

In another context, Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs BN, expressed hopes for Felda settlers to support party candidates in the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election to further the development agenda at Felda Sahabat. He expressed a desire for change on the Nov 29 polling day, particularly among the settlers, and encouraged alignment with the MADANI Government.

He further elaborated on the candidacies for the election, naming Saleha Abdul Wahid for the Tungku state seat, Sharif Musa Sharif Mabul for Silam, and Datuk Seri Dr Anil Sandhu for Kunak, emphasizing their commitment to serving their constituencies effectively. The 17th Sabah State Election is scheduled for Saturday, Nov 29, with 1.76 million voters eligible to participate.