FGV on recruitment drive, eyes new generation of settlers

PETALING JAYA: Felda Global Ventures Holdings Bhd (FGV) has embarked on a recruitment drive to employ local workers to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
In a statement issued today, FGV said it is eyeing the new generation of settlers for a career in the plantation industry.
FGV's Officer-in-Charge Datuk Khairil Anuar Aziz, who is also a Felda settler's son, said the group is highly dependent on foreign labour, at more than 35,000 people across the country, and there is still a need for more workers to ensure that daily operations run smoothly.
"It is not easy to remove the new generation's negative perception towards a career in the plantation sector but, as a responsible company, FGV will remain committed to encourage and give priority to local people," he said.
"Historically, Felda was established by locals to develop the jungle into a major commodity industry in Malaysia. We will continue to strive to increase the involvement of locals in the plantation sector by improving their career development packages as well as the best benefits," he added.
Last week, FGV acting chairman Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob said that FGV is losing about RM2 million a day in revenue due to labour shortage, as the group could not fully harvest its fresh fruit bunches.
Sulaiman said FGV needs up to 8,000 workers and was looking to employ foreign workers. He said that the shortage was affecting its cash flow, with losses potentially reaching up to RM1 billion.
The recruitment drive kicked off at the National Hari Peneroka Celebrations 2017 in Putrajaya recently, where a recruitment booth was opened for visitors.
The recruitment drive will continue at FGV's plantation offices in Bera Selatan 1, Bera (Pahang, Aug 8), Tun Razak Research Centre, Jengka (Pahang, Aug 10), Besout 7, Trolak (Perak, Aug 15) and Chiku 8, Chiku (Kelantan, Aug 17).
Among the benefits offered are an attractive salary, incentive payments, EPF and SOCSO contributions, annual leave, medical, insurance and allowances to all eligible staff.
Apart from the plantation division, FGV is also offering career opportunities for the new generation of settlers who are keen to join uniformed units through its subsidiary, Felda Securities Services Sdn Bhd.
Felda Securities Services currently has 3,000 members, consisting largely of settlers' children.
"These efforts are part of the various activities and programmes planned for our corporate social responsibility each year that provide direct benefits to the local community, especially Felda settlers," said Khairil.