Felda settlers gather in front of main entrance of Parliament in Kuala Lumpur December 11, 2018. ― Picture by Hari Anggara

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — Some 50 Felda settlers held a protest at the Parliament gates today to demand that the government view more seriously the plight of settlers who have been hit hard by the rising cost of living and low palm oil prices.

The settlers from Pertubuhan Generasi Warisan Kebangsaan demanded that the Pakatan Harapan administration fulfils its promises to the settlers and set a price floor for palm oil as the price has fallen to a record low.

They marched towards Parliament holding placards with statements such as “Return the rights of the settlers” and “Don’t lie to us.”

Joined by PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man and other PAS and Umno lawmakers, the group presented a memorandum to a representative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Kubang Kerian MP Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man speaks to reporters while holding a memorandum in Parliament December 11, 2018. — Picture by Miera Zulyana

In a press conference later in the Parliament building, Tuan Ibrahim explained the group wanted the government to set the price floor for palm oil to mitigate their overall cost.

“The settlers today are facing a very challenging time with the palm oil prices hitting a low of RM280 per tonne which is among the lowest recorded in the country. Before this, we have reached RM800 per tonne.

“Cost for each hectare (to produce palm oil) is about RM350, if it’s lower than that then it is lower than the cost.

“That is why they urge the government to put a base price of RM350 per tonne to help the settlers,” he said.

Subsequently, Tuan Ibrahim explained that the settlers want the Pakatan Harapan administration to bring back the Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) which was introduced under by the Barisan Nasional government

The aid, which ended earlier this year, provided RM200 per month to small farmers and rubber tappers.

“In the previous government’s 2018 budget, they have agreed to provide RM200 per month for small-time farmers and rubber tappers.

“But now the aid has not been disbursed although the budget has been approved. I would like to ask what has happened to the funds and why they have not been distributed to these affected rubber tappers,’’ he said.

The third and final demand posted by the settlers urged the PH government to immediately wipe out the settlers’ debts as promised in PH’s manifesto, said Tuan Ibrahim.